“To understand the recent crisis in the CHT, we must look beyond immediate triggers, tracing its roots through history and structural issues,” stated Dr. Anurug Chakma, Research Fellow at Australian National University, as he shared his remarks as the keynote speaker in a discussion on the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) conflict. Organized by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) on October 3, 2024, the event brought together 116 participants, including youths, experts, and activists from the CHT and across Bangladesh, to address longstanding issues and explore pathways toward unity. The discussion aimed to foster mutual understanding and tackle identity tensions, historical grievances, and the growing impact of misinformation that have polarized communities in the region.
The discussion covered a range of issues central to the CHT conflict. Panelists examined the historical and socio-political origins of tensions, emphasizing how colonial and post-colonial power dynamics have contributed to land disputes and the marginalization of indigenous communities. The role of misinformation, particularly on social media, was a central topic, with panelists highlighting how false narratives have exacerbated divisions.
Discussions also centered on the complexities of indigenous identity, with particular focus on the divisive effects of terms like Upojati, Adibashi, and Khudro Nrigoshthi. Participants discussed the challenges of land rights, drawing attention to the displacement of indigenous communities due to development projects. Concerns were raised about the military presence in the region, with calls for respecting human rights and community autonomy. Education reform emerged as a key area for fostering understanding, with panelists advocating for curricula that include indigenous languages, traditions, and histories to combat misconceptions and promote inclusion.
Dr. Chakma urged attendees to recognize the historical roots of the CHT crisis, noting, “The state views the Chittagong Hill Tracts through a security lens, while indigenous people see it as a fight for survival against historical oppression.” He further explained, “Nation-building rooted in exclusion and assimilation, rather than accommodation of indigenous communities, perpetuates the crisis in the CHT.” He also pointed out the unfulfilled promise of the 1997 Hill Tracts Peace Accord, saying, “The 1997 Hill Tracts Peace Accord offered a path to accommodative nation-building, yet its full implementation remains unfulfilled.”
Professor AKM Mazharul Islam from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology spoke on the importance of inclusivity, stating, “For an inclusive Bangladesh, the rights of every ethnic group should be upheld without any majoritarian or minoritarian politics. Equality and unity can prevail in the beauty of diversity.” He also emphasized the need for action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, saying, “After years of neglect, the Chittagong Hill Tracts deserve action, not just frameworks—let’s implement the rights that have been promised.”
Ushing Mya Marma, an indigenous youth activist, emphasized the importance of respect and collaboration. She stated, “Rather than imposing anything, we must give due respect to the culture of indigenous communities and work collaboratively with them to resolve the conflict in the CHT.” She also highlighted the need for educational reform, saying, “Reforming the education curriculum to reflect the traditions and cultures of indigenous communities is essential to dispel misconceptions and encourage understanding.”
The discussion concluded with a strong call to address the root causes of the conflict and foster social cohesion in the CHT. Key steps identified included pushing for policy reforms, particularly in education, to reflect the cultural diversity of the region, combating misinformation, and empowering youth for grassroots activism.
