Protesters demand implementation of CHT Peace Accord to ensure stability

A human chain programme at the capital's Shahbagh intersection this afternoon called for the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord 1997 and demanded fair investigation and prompt legal action into the recent attacks in Rangamati and Khagrachhari.

The Chittagong Hill Tract Agreement Implementation Movement's joint coordinators – human rights activist Zakir Hossain and Dhaka University Professor Khairul Islam Chowdhury – alongside human rights activist Dipayan Khisa, spoke at the programme today (22 September), which also included students, teachers, and activists under the banner of "Parbotto Chattogram Shanti Chukti Bastobayon Andolon". 

Professor Khairul said, "If the issues in the hills are not solved, the issues with Bangladesh's sovereignty can't be solved. Bangladesh will not be safe if the people in the hills are not safe. Since 1976, the problems within the hills have been exacerbated and the rights of the people living there have been gradually curtailed. With the CHT Peace Accord, we hoped these issues would be solved. But it hasn't as the agreement has not been implemented yet. Therefore, we urge [the government] to take effective steps to implement this agreement immediately."

This is the third day that protesters took to Shahbagh rallying against the recent violent clashes which erupted in the hill districts of Khagrachari and Rangamati, leaving four people dead and over 50 injured.

The incidents, which occurred on 19-20 September, led to heightened tensions and heavy law enforcement deployment in both regions. Amid deteriorating situation, local administrations imposed Section 144 in the two districts. 

In Khagrachari, clashes on 19 September claimed the lives of three people—Junan Chakma, 20, Dhananjay Chakma, 50, and Rubel, 30. Nine others were injured.

Tensions escalated in Rangamati, a district neighbouring the troubled Khagrachari region, as violent clashes and counter-clashes have left one person dead and over fifty injured.

Pressing forth an eight-point demand, the protesters called for forming an independent inquiry commission comprising human rights activists and civil society representatives for the Rangamati, Khagrachari and Dighinala attacks.

Treatment facilities for the injured, and compensation for affected families, overall security in the area were also included.

Other demands included disciplinary actions and departmental measures against agencies and parties that have failed at their responsibilities, reconstruction of damaged Buddhist monasteries belonging to the Jumma community, as well as adequate compensation for the owners of destroyed shops and homes.

The protesters also stressed implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord to stabilise the current situation and ensure lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

They urged the government to hold dialogues immediately with the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council.