Chalk definite roadmap for implementation

The government must immediately set a definite roadmap for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord's effective implementation and help the region's people overcome frustration, speakers told a discussion in the capital yesterday.

People of the CHT might start having suspicions and feel deceived if the government fails to gain their trust, they observed.

Jatiya Nagorik Udyog organised the discussion, "Implementation of CHT Accord: A National Pledge" in the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh marking the agreement's 18th anniversary.

Ushaton Talukder, lawmaker of Rangamati, urged politicians and civil society members to unite for the implementation, alleging that the government was not taking it seriously and that it was not in the national policy.

"Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti has already declared a non-cooperation movement," he said, adding that the government must realise that it was important for the sake of national interest.

Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, placed a four-point demand including taking legal and administrative measures.

Communist Party of Bangladesh President Mujahidul Islam Selim termed the agreement an unachieved part of the Liberation War, saying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was failing to fulfill her commitment.

Oikya NAP President Pankaj Bhattacharya alleged that the state was treating the CHT as its "colony" and that this was threatening the country's unity.

Noted journalistMozammel Hossain Manju said the government cannot delay the implementation over security grounds because it was the people of the CHT, not law enforcers, who could protect the region.

Columnist Syed Abul Moksud chaired the programme while Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University also spoke.