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Only the Bangladesh Army possesses the capacity to restore peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), according to Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion on the progress of the CHT Accord under the BNP-led government, Iftekharuzzaman questioned the army's willingness to act, given its international recognition for peacekeeping.

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The question is whether it has the willingness.

"In a region where it held complete authority, formally or informally, the army should explain why it could not establish peace," he stated. Iftekharuzzaman urged the army to spearhead confidence-building measures, social rehabilitation programs, and develop a clear roadmap involving all stakeholders. He stressed that while political commitment is necessary, the army holds the authority, responsibility, and capacity for implementation.

The CHT Accord Implementation Movement organized the event, where participants called for regular reviews of the government's election pledges regarding the region. Iftekharuzzaman also advocated for a review of the 1997 CHT Accord and for the army to lead the process. Other speakers, including Saiful Huq of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, called for a national commission with stakeholder involvement. Shamsul Huda of ALRD noted that the accord's negotiation spanned multiple governments.

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In a region where it held complete authority, formally or informally, the army should explain why it could not establish peace.

Movement joint coordinator Zakir Hossain presented a written statement indicating that the government's 180-day program did not prioritize the CHT Accord. The movement outlined six demands, including appointing a hill person as a full minister for CHT affairs, establishing a time-bound plan, activating the land commission, and initiating policy-level dialogue with the CHT Regional Council.

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Such an initiative would require political commitment and support from the highest level, but the authority, responsibility and capacity to implement it lie with the army.