The government must create a roadmap for fully implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord inked in 1997 to eliminate frustrations of the indigenous people, speakers said at a discussion yesterday.
They said frustration, suspicion and a feeling of deception would grow among all if the government failed to achieve the trust of the indigenous communities as it had already been 18 years since the deal was signed.
The discussion titled “Implementation of CHT Accord: A National Pledge” was organised by Jatiya Nagorik Uddyog at the Engineers Institute auditorium to mark the 18th anniversary of the accord.
On the issue, Rangamati lawmaker Ushatan Talukder said: “Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti has already announced a non-cooperation movement as the government has not implemented the agreement in the last 18 years.”
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong put forward a four-point demand, including immediate announcement of a roadmap for the implementation of the accord and taking administrative measures in this regard.
Communist Party of Bangladesh President Mujahidul Islam Selim said the peace agreement remains an incomplete part of the 1971 Liberation War when it comes to national unity.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has failed to fulfill her commitment as the accord is yet to be implemented,” he added.
