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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

Cancel CHT Accord? Govt must sign stronger pact, says academic

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An academic urged the government to sign a stronger accord if the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord is cancelled.
  • He stated that a 'rainbow nation' cannot be built while the hill region's people suffer discrimination.
  • The academic called for a government roadmap to peace in the region, starting with the CHT Accord.

A prominent academic has warned that the government must sign a more robust agreement if the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord is revoked. Shishir Chakma, president of the Jum Aesthetics Council, argued that true national unity, a 'rainbow nation,' is impossible while the people of the hill region endure suffering and discrimination. Speaking at a discussion marking International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in Rangamati, Chakma highlighted the exclusion of indigenous MPs from the Constitution Reform Commission as evidence of the government's reluctance to improve the fate of the hill people.

Many are demanding the cancellation of the CHT Accord. If the CHT Accord is cancelled, the government will have to sign an even stronger accord.

— Shishir ChakmaSpeaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Despite 29 years since the CHT Accord's signing, Chakma noted a lack of resolution, stating that the current situation is detrimental to both the government and the people of the hill tracts. He emphasized that the wounds of the common people will not heal without a clear government roadmap for peace, beginning with the CHT Accord. The people of the hills, he added, are not interested in welfare cards but in living peacefully and ending the oppression they face from those within the government.

Many are demanding the cancellation of the CHT Accord. If the CHT Accord is cancelled, the government will have to sign an even stronger accord.

— Shishir ChakmaSpeaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Advocate Chonchu Chakma, a member of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, echoed the sentiment, pointing out that despite decades of celebrating Indigenous Day, the state has never officially recognized their struggles. The event, presided over by Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, president of the Bangladesh Adivasi Forum's Chittagong Hill Tracts region, also featured cultural performances and a rally through Rangamati town.

Such a situation cannot continue forever. This is neither good for the government and the people of the country, nor is it beneficial for the people of the hill tracts.

— Shishir ChakmaCommenting on the lack of resolution 29 years after the CHT Accord was signed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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