Challenges in Chattogram Hill Tracts Peace Process
Mirza Nahid Hossain
The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, a region characterized by its rich biodiversity, distinct ethnic communities, and verdant landscapes, have been at the center of a complex and prolonged peace process. Rooted in historical grievances, socio-political marginalization, and the struggle for indigenous rights, the peace process aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the indigenous populations in the CHT. Despite the signing of the Peace Accord in 1997, which was intended to foster harmony and development, the region continues to grapple with issues related to land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation. Understanding the ongoing challenges in the CHT is vital not only for advancing local governance and stability but also for the broader socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region in southeastern Bangladesh has been a center of conflict and unrest since the country's independence in 1971. The area's unique ethnic composition and geographical isolation contributed to longstanding tensions between the indigenous populations and the Bangladeshi state. Various factors, including ethnic marginalization, land disputes, and inadequate political representation, have fueled unrest in the region. Additionally, foreign political intervention has played a role in both exacerbating and attempting to resolve the conflict. Successive governments, including those of Sheikh Hasina and the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has adopted different approaches to address the situation, with varying degrees of success.
Critics of the CHT peace process argue that while the 1997 Peace Accord marked a significant step toward resolution, it has not yet fully achieved its intended goals. Many believe that implementation has been inconsistent and plagued by bureaucratic inertia. Indigenous leaders and activists often express frustration over the slow pace of land reform and the persistent encroachment of non-indigenous settlers on traditional lands. Furthermore, the lack of autonomy for indigenous communities in self-governance remains a contentious point of debate, with critics emphasizing that real peace and development can only be attained through genuine recognition of their rights and a commitment to inclusive policymaking. They warn that the failure to address these critical issues may exacerbate existing tensions, erode trust in the state, and hinder long-term peace efforts in the region.
The Chattogram Hill Tracts are home to multiple indigenous ethnic groups, including the Chakma, Marma, and Tripuri peoples, who have distinct cultural and religious identities, primarily rooted in Buddhism and animism. During British colonial rule, the CHT was granted special administrative status to preserve its unique cultural identity. The new government did not continue this autonomy, leading to tensions between the indigenous people and the state. The indigenous populations, collectively referred to as the Jumma people, felt marginalized by the Bengali-majority government’s policies.
In the years following independence, the government began settling Bengali people in the CHT, intensifying ethnic conflicts over land and resources. The region saw the rise of armed resistance, particularly led by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and its armed wing, the Shanti Bahini, which sought greater autonomy and recognition of indigenous rights. The conflict led to decades of violence, human rights abuses, and large-scale displacement of indigenous communities.
The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) peace process, initiated with the signing of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, aimed to resolve decades of conflict between the indigenous populations and the Bangladeshi state; however, several challenges have hindered its successful implementation, contributing to ongoing unrest in the region. A primary issue is the incomplete execution of key provisions in the peace accord, which promised autonomy and local governance structures that remain unfulfilled. Indigenous leaders continue to express concerns over unresolved land disputes and inadequate political representation, fueling dissatisfaction and distrust among local communities. Land disputes are particularly contentious, as the influx of Bengali settlers, encouraged by government policies, has led to significant encroachments on indigenous territories, exacerbating ethnic tensions and deepening feelings of marginalization. Additionally, despite the accord's emphasis on reducing military presence, the continued deployment of security forces has perpetuated a climate of fear and mistrust, with reports of human rights abuses further alienating indigenous communities from the state. Political representation is also critical, as the central government's reluctance to grant significant self-governance has fostered feelings of disenfranchisement. External factors, including foreign intervention, complicate the peace process; India's involvement during the insurgency has added layers of complexity, diverting attention from local issues. Furthermore, a lack of sustained commitment from successive governments has slowed the pace of reforms, with deep-seated mistrust making it challenging to rebuild relationships and foster collaboration. For the peace process to succeed, the Bangladeshi government must prioritize genuine dialogue, address indigenous rights and grievances, and ensure the full implementation of the peace accord, as only through collaborative efforts can lasting peace and stability be achieved in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
The causes of unrest in the Chattogram Hill Tracts are rooted in several interconnected factors including ethnic and cultural marginalization the indigenous communities in the CHT have historically felt excluded from political and economic power the government’s policies of encouraging Bengali settlements in the region combined with a lack of recognition of indigenous rights further aggravated these tensions as the settlement of Bengali migrants increased widespread land disputes emerged indigenous communities whose traditional livelihoods depended on land faced encroachments on their ancestral territories the government's failure to address these land issues through fair policies deepened the resentment the region also witnessed militarization in response to the armed insurgency led by the Shanti Bahini the Bangladeshi government deployed military forces to control the insurgency which led to human rights abuses including extrajudicial killings forced disappearances and the displacement of indigenous communities rather than resolving the tensions this military presence exacerbated the situation and further alienated the local population inadequate political representation has also played a major role in the unrest the indigenous people of the CHT have long demanded greater political representation and self-governance however the central government has been reluctant to grant significant autonomy fearing that it might set a precedent for other regions this lack of political representation and autonomy has fueled demands for self-rule and increased tensions in the region.
The conflict in the Chattogram Hill Tracts has not remained solely a domestic issue as India which shares a border with the region has played a significant role in the CHT conflict many of the indigenous insurgents particularly those affiliated with the PCJSS and Shanti Bahini sought refuge in India during the height of the insurgency India provided covert support to these insurgents both in terms of shelter and resources as part of its broader geopolitical interests in South Asia India’s involvement was also tied to its own security concerns particularly the insurgencies in its northeastern states which share ethnic and cultural similarities with the indigenous peoples of the CHT the Bangladesh government in turn accused India of fomenting unrest by supporting the insurgents while India’s direct involvement waned after the signing of the CHT Peace Accord in 1997 its influence over the region's dynamics continues to shape the conflict.
Sheikh Hasina's government, though credited with trying to resolve the conflict in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, has not been able to deliver on its promises effectively. The signing of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, often regarded as a significant achievement, failed to fully bring an end to the decades-long insurgency. While the accord supposedly granted a degree of autonomy to the CHT and established the CHT Regional Council, the promised withdrawal of military forces has been partial at best. Many viewed the peace accord as a step forward, but its impact has been undermined by the government's failure to follow through on critical commitments.
The implementation of the accord has encountered numerous obstacles, and while there has been some movement, it has been far from satisfactory. The withdrawal of military personnel has been incomplete, and the creation of administrative structures has fallen short of expectations. Indigenous leaders continue to assert that key provisions, such as resolving land disputes and ensuring the complete demilitarization of the region, have been largely ignored. Rather than reducing tensions, the ongoing settlement of Bengali migrants in the region has only deepened the divisions, fueling resentment among the indigenous population.
Hasina's government, despite its claims of dedication to the peace process, has made little progress in addressing the fundamental issues. Although the government has initiated attempts to reopen dialogue with indigenous leaders, these efforts have been marred by deep-rooted mistrust. The slow pace of implementation and the perceived lack of genuine commitment have rendered these talks largely ineffective, leaving the region's challenges unresolved and perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
In 2024 Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge of an interim government and although his tenure was brief his approach to the CHT issue reflected his broader philosophy of social inclusion and equity Yunus known for his work in microfinance and social business emphasized the need for inclusive development particularly in marginalized areas like the CHT his interim government initiated dialogues aimed at addressing economic grievances focusing on improving livelihoods through social business models and empowering indigenous communities through financial inclusion Yunus’s government however was limited in its capacity to enact long-term reforms given its interim nature nevertheless his emphasis on nonviolent solutions and community-driven development had a symbolic impact Yunus advocated for reducing the military presence in the region and prioritizing grassroots development although these initiatives were constrained by time and political complexity his approach to the CHT was more focused on economic empowerment than the broader political autonomy that many indigenous groups sought.
The challenges within the Chattogram Hill Tracts are daunting and multifaceted, reflecting a legacy of conflict and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights by indigenous communities. The peace process, while providing a framework for dialogue and potential resolution, requires a robust commitment from all stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, and the indigenous populations themselves. As criticisms highlight the shortcomings of the existing framework, it is imperative that the voices of the local communities are prioritized and that their rights are enshrined in policies designed to promote peace and development. Moving forward, a genuine and inclusive approach can pave the way for sustainable solutions, ultimately fulfilling the aspirations of the people in the Chattogram Hill Tracts for a peaceful and equitable future.
The unrest in the Chattogram Hill Tracts stems from ethnic marginalization, land disputes, and inadequate political representation, worsened by foreign intervention. Although Sheikh Hasina's 1997 Peace Accord was a significant attempt to resolve the conflict, incomplete implementation has left critical issues unresolved. Dr. Yunus's brief interim government emphasized economic empowerment and social inclusion but lacked the time and authority to enforce lasting reforms. For lasting peace and stability, Bangladesh must address both political and economic dimensions of the conflict in the region.
