We are concerned by the rising level of communal conflict in the CHT region.
At least 30 people were injured on January 10 when a procession of the Hill Students Council protesting the inauguration of a new medical college came under attack from ruling party supporters.
Despite the imposition of section 144 in the area banning all gatherings, a group of Bangalis subsequently carried out attacks on Pahari homes and businesses, leading to a wider outbreak of communal violence.
The government needs to heed calls from local people and the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission to support dialogue and action to put into force unimplemented provisions of the 1997 CHT Accord.
Key provisions designed to alleviate underlying tensions over land rights remain unfulfilled. The Land Commission chairman has been given scant resources and no budget allocation to undertake work and recent development activities in the region, including the building of the new medical college, have taken place without any consultation with the Regional Council.
As well as enforcing rule of law to eliminate discrimination and ensure compensation and justice for victims of violence, the government has to urgently progress full implementation of the CHT accord.
Fulfilling its conditions is absolutely imperative to tackle the root causes of communal tensions. As an original signatory, the prime minister has a special responsibility for ensuring the CHT Peace Accord is properly implemented to fulfill the state’s duty to protect the rights of all citizens and bring peace and prosperity to the CHT.
