Stronger push needed to implement CHT accord: speakers

Speakers at a discussion yesterday called for a stronger movement to implement the Chattogram Hill Tracts Peace Accord by resisting all conspiracies. They expressed concern that the delay in implementing the accord has caused deep frustration among hill communities and urged immediate, time-bound action to enforce the treaty.

The event, jointly organised by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti  and Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, marked the 27th anniversary of the CHT Peace Accord signing, which took place on December 2, 1997. It was held at the Women's Voluntary Association auditorium in Dhaka.

Dhaka University Professor Khairul Islam Chowdhury, co-coordinator of the CHT Accord Implementation Movement, said, "The CHT Peace Accord, signed with the state on December 2, 1997, holds historical significance. However, the initial hope it brought has now turned into despair."

He questioned the necessity of continuing military rule in the CHT and said "CHT Peace Accord Implementation Movement" was formed in response to these ongoing challenges. He also criticised the interim government's constitutional reform commission for excluding indigenous representation.

Nipun Tripura, president of Parbatya Chattagram Pahari Chhatra Parishad, echoed these concerns, while Gajendra Nath Mahato, assistant general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, said, "Despite the formation of ten reform commissions, the interim government failed to include indigenous representation." He added that this exclusion has led to the marginalisation of indigenous communities, with their lands being seized under the guise of tourism.

Sajedul Haque Rubel, central secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said the July uprising raised hopes for democracy, but these aspirations remain unfulfilled.

Monira Tripura, a PCJSS member, reiterated the call for immediate, time-bound implementation of the treaty.

The discussion was presided over by Ajoy A Mree, vice president of the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, and moderated by PCJSS member Trijinand Chakma.