CHT Peace Accord, an empty promise
The Awami League government has been farcing with the indigenous communities by not fully implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, said speakers at a rally yesterday.
The rally, arranged by student and youth organisations, marked the 25th anniversary of the treaty and voiced demands for its swift implementation.
Alik Mree, president of Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad, criticised the AL government's repeated promises to implement the accord made before the 2008, 2014, and 2018 national elections.
"When the treaty was signed, indigenous communities believed that their two-decade-long movement had come to an end. However, it's deeply disheartening that even after 25 years, only 25 out of 72 clauses have been fully implemented," he said.
Accusing the government of using the treaty as a facade to deceive the indigenous people, Mree also alleged the ruling party of suppressing the indigenous people in the CHT and seizing their ancestral lands in the name of development projects like eco-parks, resorts, restaurants, and hotels.
When the treaty was signed, indigenous communities believed that their two-decade-long movement had come to an end. However, it is deeply disheartening that even after 25 years, only 25 out of 72 clauses have been fully implemented.
Mukta Barai, president of Samajtrantik Chhatra Front, questioned the government's intention and commitment to implementing the treaty.
The government's indifference to fulfilling its obligations raised doubts about its true intentions, she stressed.
Terming the issue "political", Tony Chirang, organising secretary of Adibasi Jubo Forum, highlighted the government's indifference to implementing the treaty.
Khan Asaduzzaman Masum, president of Bangladesh Jubo Union, expressed frustration over the government's perceived failure to uphold the accord.
He also emphasised the need for uniformity of rules between hills and plain lands.
The movement had evolved beyond being solely about indigenous rights. It now represents the aspirations of people across the country, said Dipayan Khisha, joint convener of the CHT Peace Accord Implementation Movement.
Rallies will be organised nationwide to gain stronger and broader support, said Dipayan, informing that the next rally is scheduled in Sylhet.
"The movement will continue until the treaty is fully implemented," he asserted.
The speakers also presented a five-point demand, which included crafting a time-bound action plan for implementing the treaty.
The rally, presided over by Jubo Maitri Central President Shahidul Islam and moderated by Chhtra Union President Dipok Shil, concluded with a procession that marched towards the Teachers Students Centre at Dhaka University.
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