Not without reason, the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is a very sensitive and strategic location in terms of political and security issues. The unfortunate history of violence and disputes between the central government, Bangalee settlers, and the CHT indigenous population goes back to the failure to listen to the CHT population when they demanded constitutional recognition after Bangladesh’s independence.
Particularly after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, many steps have been taken by subsequent governments which were not in favour of the indigenous population.
As a result of that, they took up arms and fought until the Bangladesh government was able to negotiate and sign the CHT Peace Accord in December 1997.
The regrettable fact is that the accord, which was signed for establishing peace, remains on paper only. We did not see much, if any, visible implementations or actions since the accord was signed. As a result, we have seen much psychological and physical instability, including outbreaks of violence between the indigenous population and the local population.
There have been frequent reports of gross violations of human rights such as abduction, murder, torture, etc. Recent incidents clearly show that the indigenous CHT population is not guaranteed safety, even on their own land; they have frequently been attacked by the local Bangalee settlers.
Now, the question is: Who are the instigators provoking these types of incidents? It goes without saying that resolving land disputes is the key precondition for establishing peace in a particular area. In this regard, the rights of land of the indigenous population should be returned, and legal rights of the ownership must be ensured.
It is pertinent to note here that the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001 has some controversial provisions which should be amended as early as possible. The land dispute settlement is now much more complicated because of the extension of army residences, increasing development such as the establishment of an eco park, and cultivation of rubber.
These trends must be controlled or stopped as soon as possible. It should be borne in mind that the rights over CHT land must belong to the local indigenous and Bangalee populations, not to the outsiders. There have been long-standing allegations that plain land Bangalee people are still entering CHT and occupying the lands of the indigenous population. This poses a serious stumbling block to establishing peace.
It would not be right then to say that the CHT peace accord has been implemented yet.
Many questions remain. I for one do not understand why the institutions, which are supposed to be transferred into the hands of CHT regional council, have not been transferred yet? Indigenous populations are still being deprived of their nationhood and cultures, or of educating their children in their mother tongue.
A lot of indigenous people along with local Bangalees were originally displaced because of the construction of Kaptai embankment. Policymakers have to take effective steps for those who have been displaced from their own land so that their participation can be ensured in development activities of the state.
I often hear that if the indigenous population can buy land in Dhaka, why should outsiders not also be able to buy land in the CHT area? If we have this psychological barrier to appreciating the distinct characteristics of the CHT, is it possible to establish respect for the dignity of the people of the area and to preserve their identity?
We have to keep in mind that this country is not only for Bangalee people but also a country where Chakmas, Marmas, Tripuras and Santals are all citizens also. They have their own unique historical traditions, culture and a rich language, which the Bangladesh government is obliged to protect under international conventions.
However, as far as our constitution is concerned, in terms of language, their language is no longer recognised.
I do not see any ray of hope at the end of the tunnel for establishing peace in this area without the full implementation of the CHT accord. At the same time, developmental activities should be implemented in this particular area with a priority of assisting the local population and also making sure they are not isolated from the mainstream population.
