‘How long must we wait for our rights?’

Full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord 1997 is a must to ensure the rights of the indigenous peoples in CHT, said rights activists yesterday.

They said this at a rally in front of National Museum at Shahbagh in the capital.

Indigenous rights activists under the banner of Jatiya Nagarik Uddyag  organised the programme marking the 23rd anniversary of the accord that  was signed on December 2, 1997 between the government and Parbatya  Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) during the first tenure of Prime  Minister Sheikh Hasina, to put an end to conflict in the three hill districts. 

The activists also placed a six-point demand, which include fully empowering the CHT regional council, making CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission effective and putting an end to the eviction of indigenous people in the name of tourism or development.   

Although the government claimed they have implemented 48 clauses out of 72 in the Accord, only 26 clauses have been implemented in the last 23 years, according to indigenous rights activists.

"The progress for implementing the accord took place during the first couple of years of the signing, then it slowed down…," said researcher and writer Syed Abul Maksud, taking part in the event virtually. 

It has been 23 years already; if the process delays more, the frustration (of the indigenous people) towards the government will grow in the same proportion as well, he added.

Speaking at the programme, Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong said, "Twenty three years back, the accord was signed with a hope. But majority of the clauses haven't been implemented yet. How long must we wait for our rights?"

He cautioned that if proper implementation of the accord does not take place, the situation in the CHT can become the way it was before the accord. "So, its proper implementation is a must," he said. 

Dhaka University Prof Robaet Ferdous said there is mistrust among Bangalees and indigenous people now as the accord have not been implemented properly even after so many years.

Those who are vocal about rights are being labelled as criminals, extortionists, and armed miscreants, he said, adding that if this continues, there will be unrest again in the hills. 

Condemning the recent incident of constructing a luxury hotel in Chimbuk hill of Bandarban, DU Associate Prof Zobaida Nasreen said Mro people from four villages will be ousted if the hotel is established. Gradually, the entire hill will be encroached, Nasreen feared.