Hill Voice, 27 November 2024, Dhaka: Last Monday (25 November), the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord Implementation Movement submitted a letter to the Chief Advisor demanding that the implementation of the CHT Accord be placed on the priority list in the Interim Government’s program.

The letter, signed by Zakir Hossain and Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, human rights activists and joint coordinators of the CHT Accord Implementation Movement, states that this student-public movement will be considered a turning point in the history of Bangladesh, which has already created new hope for justice, peace and national unity. The CHT Accord Implementation Movement believes that this interim government will govern the country on the basis of democratic principles and human rights.

For 26 years since the signing of the CHT Accord on December 2, 1997, key issues of the agreement have remained unimplemented, leaving the indigenous Jumma people of the CHT and citizens across the country in a state of uncertainty. The full and proper implementation of this agreement is essential not only for the lasting peace and stability of the CHT, but also for upholding the dignity and rights of all indigenous peoples of Bangladesh and at the same time for the national unity of the country.

For almost two years, the CHT Accord Implementation Movement has been tirelessly working to involve the people in the full implementation of the agreement. This struggle of the CHT Accord Implementation Movement has united political, social, cultural, student-youth and human rights organizations from all over the country in demanding the implementation of the agreement with the aim of establishing permanent peace in the CHT.

The CHT Accord Implementation Movement has called on the interim government to take action on the following 7-point demands: –

1. A time-bound action plan for the implementation of the agreement: To formulate a clear and effective plan with specific time frames for the full implementation of this agreement.

2. Ending military supervision of the CHT: The continued military supervision in the CHT has hindered the peace, progress and development of the region. To permanently end military supervision by withdrawing Operation Utoron and to take measures to develop the governance structure of this region in line with the provisions of the agreement.

3. Empowerment of Regional Council and Hill District Councils: To take initiatives to provide appropriate powers to the CHT Regional Council and the three Hill District Councils as per the agreement to address the democratic, representative local governance system and other needs of the Hill Tracts.

4. Land Rights and Rehabilitation: The issue of land rights is one of the major issues for the peace and stability of the CHT. To rehabilitate India-returnee Jumma refugees and internally displaced persons and execute the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission.

5. Economic Inclusion and Development: The people of the CHT must be included in the mainstream economic progress of the country and, in accordance with the CHT Accord, sustainable development programs must be adopted for the long-term prosperity of the CHT, respecting the unique cultural and environmental heritage of the region.

6. To adopt strong representative democratic systems for the indigenous people of the plains: Special seats must be reserved for the indigenous people in all existing local governments in the plains districts and special measures must be taken to improve their living standards.

7. To establish a separate land commission for the plains indigenous people: To take urgent steps to establish a separate land commission without delay to address the specific needs and challenges of the plains indigenous people related to their lives, land and livelihoods.

In order to start the full implementation of the above demands, the following 5 issues should be given kind consideration for taking immediate steps to implement the implementation of the CHT Accord in the interim government’s program in order to prioritize them:-

1. Reorganization of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee: The interim government should reconstitute the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee as per the agreement. The reconstituted committee should take effective steps to resolve the problems and play a role in taking steps to implement the agreement in light of the provisions of the agreement.

2. Activate the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission: Unresolved land disputes in the CHT have caused misery and displacement for the Jumma people. Activate this commission immediately and formulate the Rules of the commission as soon as possible.

3. Dialogue with the Regional Council: The Interim Government should immediately initiate a constructive dialogue with the CHT Regional Council. The objective of this dialogue will be to resolve the ongoing issues, align the efforts of the Regional Council with the provisions of the CHT Accord, and ensure the role of the Council in local governance. By fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation and respect, pave the way for meaningful progress in the implementation of the decisions of the dialogue with the Regional Council.

4. Reorganization of the Advisory Council of the Ministry of CHT Affairs: In the light of the dialogue with the Regional Council, the Advisory Council of the Ministry of CHT Affairs should be reconstituted immediately in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.

5. Taking initiatives to protect the land and human rights of the indigenous people of the plains: The indigenous people of the plains are facing various challenges including threats to their land, human rights and cultural heritage. The interim government should form a commission to resolve the problems of these communities. This commission should protect the rights of the indigenous people of the plains, ensure political representation and work for their development and welfare.