Emphasizing on full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, human rights activists in Dhaka, yesterday urged for resolving land ownership disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to bring peace to the region.
They put forth the recommendation while speaking at a book unveiling ceremony of Biborno Pahar—written by Mangal Kumar Chakma—held at the Women's Voluntary Association (WVA) auditorium, organized by Bangladesh Adivasi Forum.
Attending the event as special guest, former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh, Prof Mizanur Rahman, said: "Constructing buildings is not an example of sustainable development. On the contrary, human development and ensuring human rights is true sustainable development."
Poet and journalist Sohrab Hossain, another special guest at the event, said that the government was trying to prove that they were implementing the peace accord by focusing solely on economic progress.
“But the government is not implementing the main demand of the hilly people—rights to their own lands,” Sohrab added.
He further said despite the passage of 22 years, since the formation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Dispute Resolution Commission, people of the region were still being deprived of land rights. The commission has turned into an ineffective institution.
Criticizing the chairmen of the commission, he said, they are yet to hold a meeting over the issue.
Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum said: "A place [CHT] that adds diversity to our national culture is fading away. This does not bode well for Bangladesh."
'Through the eyes of hill people'
Regarding the book, Sanjeeb Drong said, Biborno Pahar could help solve the dispute in CHT by conveying the story through the eyes of the region's residents.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Information and Publication Secretary, Dipayan Khisa, informed the guests at the event that the book has 27 articles focused on disputes related to the hill people.
He said: “We are hill people,, and our culture and lives are fading away day by day. The Biju festival saw the worst iteration this year, despite the administration's claims of success. If it was a success, they would not have to announce it as such. Their activities should have proved it for them.”
Sadeka Halim, professor and Dean of Social Sciences Faculty at Dhaka University said, although the book is full of new information, it lacks citation.
“Information like this requires proper citation to prevent arguments, and encourage constructive discourse,” she said.
Bilu Kabir, one of the publishers of the book, said that the book was not published for making money, rather, it is to fulfill their social responsibility towards their people. "We want Bangalis to read the book, and learn more about the hill people, and their problems," he added.
The writer, and the other publisher, Boteshwer Bornon, did not attend the event.
