Govt committed to resolving issues preventing implementation of CHT Accord: Adviser Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said the government will try to resolve the obstacles which are responsible for hindering the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord after identifying those.

“This is my first meeting on the issue and there’s much to learn and understand. There have been long-standing challenges in implementing the Accord and identifying these problems is crucial. Once the problems will be identified we will be able to accelerate progress in its implementation,” he said.

The Foreign Adviser came up with the information after a meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee held at the CHT Development Board Rest House in Rangamati.

Terming the meeting ‘productive,’ the adviser expressed hope that with cooperation from all stakeholders, a meaningful solution can be achieved.

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, who was present at the meeting, said it as a significant step toward peace, security and development for the people of the region.

The current government sincerely believes that if all parties work together collectively to implement the agreement, then permanent peace and development in the CHT regions is possible, he said.

He added that the committee will identify key implementation challenges and make recommendations to relevant ministries and departments. Sub-committees will be formed to move forward with specific tasks, if needed, said the adviser.

The meeting also decided that the committee would immediately begin its activities and ensure the Accord’s implementation through regular monitoring and review.

Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma), chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council and Sudatta Chakma, chairman of the CHT Taskforce were present there.