28th anniversary of CHT accord celebrated

The 28th anniversary of the historic Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord was observed on Tuesday with a renewed call for harmony, cooperation, and inclusive development in the hill region.

The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs marked the occasion by organising a seminar titled “The Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord: Transforming Harmony into Prosperity” at the CHT Complex Auditorium on Bailey Road in Dhaka.

Addressing the seminar as the chief guest, CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma extended greetings to the people of all communities living in the hills.

The adviser stated that this agreement was not merely a political compromise; it was a noble commitment founded on the principles of peace, coexistence, and fairness, while maintaining full and unwavering allegiance to the sovereignty and integrity of Bangladesh under the country's constitution.

Supradip emphasised that the CHT Accord remains fundamentally an understanding between the government and the people of the region, and a positive step toward resolving long-standing conflicts.

The adviser noted that work was done on the authority of the CHT inhabitants in the past. He commented that everyone supported the understanding reached between the government and the JSS (Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti) at that time.

Supradip further mentioned his desire to work on social policing. He stated that social policing exists all over the world but has not yet been implemented in our country. He believes its implementation is possible if the government is open to it. He expressed his regret that the JSS and the elites of the hills have not played a significant role in this matter from that time until now.

Mr Supradip also said that many departments have been transferred to the Chittagong Hill Tracts District Councils. He noted that the task is not finished merely by transferring these departments; it requires the formulation of many laws, regulations, and other provisions. Many regulations have already been formulated in the District Councils. He mentioned that there is currently a lot of discussion regarding the quota system in the CHT.

The adviser stated, "We want to help the Chittagong Hill Tracts District Councils." He added that the district councils have their own regulations, and the government, through its administration, is willing to provide all necessary cooperation for the Councils to operate according to those regulations.

He assured that the government will not provide separate guidance on the internal crucial issues of the Councils.

Regarding the existing regulations of the councils, the adviser said, "We are attempting to simplify the rules and regulations based on the advice of high-level government officials, as the preparation of these regulations is stipulated."

Concerning appointments, Supradip mentioned that when the ministry conducts recruitment activities without a PSC examination, it ensures transparency by working through institutions like BUET, IBA, and BRAC University.

Supradip pointed out that the Rangamati District Council stopped the recruitment process for 650 posts under its jurisdiction. The adviser said, "We, from the Ministry, advised them to form four to five boards to manage the recruitment process, but the Rangamati District Council did not accept it." He warned that the government would not take responsibility for this.

He stressed the need for harmony to build good relations among all. He said, "We want to preserve this harmony."

The adviser noted that for the selection of the District Council Chairman, they are currently only selecting the person. The Adviser advocated for a chairman elected through votes in the Hill District Councils, as popularly elected representatives are generally dedicated to the welfare of the people.

The adviser further mentioned that 250,000 people are still deprived of electricity. He stated that 105,000 solar panels have already been distributed, and more solar panels are needed in the CHT region.

He added that various initiatives have been taken to improve equitable living standards, including extending modern e-learning facilities to remote areas. The government is working relentlessly to implement various development plans to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Presiding over the seminar, Md Abdul Khaleque, secretary of the ministry, said the region must advance by overcoming challenges. He stressed preserving the ecological balance of the CHT and announced that the government is considering a comprehensive master plan to safeguard the environment amid rising tourism.

Additional Secretary Md Monirul Islam, who delivered the keynote presentation, highlighted major development achievements since the signing of the accord, including a remarkable 1,080 per cent increase in the ministry’s budget.

Other speakers at the seminar included Dr Rashida Ferdous NDC, additional secretary of the Ministry of CHT Affairs; Gautam Kumar Chakma, member of the CHT Regional Council; Lt Col (Retd.) Parimal Bikash Chakma PSC; Kubeleshwar Tripura, former additional chief engineer of PWD; and Kyaw Sa Ching, former additional chief engineer of Dhaka WASA.