UN welcomes progress made in implementation of CHT Peace Accord

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has acknowledged the progress made in implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, in its report on its 22nd session, held in New York from April 17 to 28. 

The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations confirmed the matter in a press release on Saturday.

During the session, the PFII members discussed the status of the CHT Peace Accord with the delegation of Bangladesh, civil society members and individuals belonging to ethnic minority groups. 

The government of Bangladesh is dedicated to achieving inclusive and sustainable development for all its people, including ethnic minorities, and recognizes the significance of implementing the CHT Peace Accord signed in 1997, the release says.

The delegation of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Abdul Muhith, permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN, engaged with the forum and emphasized the government's initiatives to ensure socioeconomic development of ethnic minorities, their participation in decision-making processes, and measures to protect their cultural heritage, language and diversity. 

The PFII, a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council, is mandated to address issues concerning the rights of minorities. 

Ambassador Muhith said implementing the CHT Peace Accord was crucial to the government's vision for an inclusive and peaceful Bangladesh, and the government's efforts had already brought visible changes to the lives of ethnic minorities in the country, which would continue.