Chittagong Hill Tracts: Demands for Peace and Implementation of the Mountain Agreement

Robayet Ferdous, Executive President of Samilit Social Movement and Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University, emphasized the need to implement the Mountain Agreement to resolve the mountain problem.

Professor Ferdous expressed his solidarity with the Chittagong Hill Tracts Action Movement’s program, which protested against the recent violence in the hills, including shootings, killings, and arson attacks on houses, shops, and places of worship.

He stated, “Many people label the hill tribes as separatists. However, I ask, who are the real separatists? Those who want to join the network or those who want to remain isolated? The mountain problem should be seen through the eyes of mountaineers, not through safety glasses. Implementing the Mountain Agreement is the only solution to the mountaineering problem.”

Solidarity from Human Rights Activists and Politicians

Human rights activist Dipayan Khisa, Zakir Hossain, coordinator of Chittagong Hill Tract Action Movement, and Dhaka University professor Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, among others, spoke in solidarity at the rally.

Professor Khairul Islam Chowdhury emphasized, “If the mountain problem is not solved, the problem of Bangladesh’s sovereignty will not be solved. Bangladesh will not be safe if the hill people are not safe. An agreement was signed with the state in 1997, but it was not implemented, leading to the current situation. Effective steps must be taken to implement this agreement immediately.”

Demand for Fair Trial and Compensation

Khalekuzzaman Lipon, Assistant General Secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad), demanded a fair trial against the real criminals through a fair investigation into the incidents in Khagrachari and Rangamati.

He stated, “The mountain problem should be solved politically. Sufficient compensation should be given to those affected by the incident, and the interim government should establish an egalitarian state by including the people of the hills in the constitution.”

Call for Implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Agreement

Communist Party leader Shah Alam emphasized the need to understand the geopolitical tension around the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the importance of implementing the agreement.

He stated, “We should understand that as a Bengali, so should the Chakmaras. Chakma cannot be Bengali. But Chakma, Marma, Bengali; We can all be Bangladeshi. The implementation of the agreement is the call of time. From the rule of one dominant to the rule of another. We still don’t have real freedom.”

8-Point Demand from the Rally

1. A proper investigation should be conducted into the incident in the hills, and necessary steps should be taken as soon as possible.
2. An independent commission of inquiry should be formed into the Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Dighinala attacks comprising human rights activists and representatives of civil society.
3. The safety of life and property of the Jumma people of three hill areas must be ensured along with the hill dwellers who are suffering from violence in Khagrachari Sadar, Dighinala, and Rangamati.
4. Urgent steps should be taken to provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed in firing and proper treatment of those injured.
5. Reconstruction of the damaged Jumma community Buddhist monastery and appropriate compensation to shop and house owners.
6. Punitive action should be taken subject to proper investigation, and necessary departmental action should be taken for non-discharge of proper responsibilities of various responsible organizations and quarters.
7. In order to stabilize the situation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, government policymakers should take the necessary initiative to initiate a dialogue with the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council as soon as possible.
8. In order to establish lasting peace in the hills, the process of implementing the Chittagong Hill Tract Agreement should be kept in the priority list of activities of the interim government.