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Implementing the CHT Accord

A.B.M.S.Zahur
LIKE many other developing countries record of implementation of treaties or agreements is not satisfactory in Bangladesh. Despite passage of more than 11 years (1997-2008) the CHT Accord has remained unimplemented. The AL has committed in its election manifesto for taking necessary steps to implement the Accord fully. So far we are not sure as to how many more years may be needed for full implementation of this treaty.
The previous AL government (1996-2001) concluded the treaty in 1997. We have to admit that despite all good intentions and sincerity the agreement could not be processed properly. It may be pointed out that the treaty is an outcome of an understanding between the government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jona Sanghati Samity(PCJSS).
Imbued with the idea of rapid development President Ziaur Rahman started the program of settlement of poor Bengalis into CHT with little or almost no consultation with the indigenous people.
Simultaneously, a vast tract of land was leased out to the interested Bengali investors for rubber cultivation. Such measures resulted in the creation of suspicion among the indigenous communities who organised themselves into groups of Shanti Bahini to resist settlement of Bengalis and army engaged in assisting the work of settlement of Bengalis. Apart from this a large number of indigenous people left for India and took shelter there.
The guerilla war ensued out of this situation, continued for 25 years and the government had to incur a huge expenditure for maintaining substantial number of army, in addition, government institutions and industries located in CHT area had to pay tolls to the members of Shanti Bahini to ensure safety of their employees. This state of affairs ended with the signing of CHT Accord by AL government with PCJSS.
More than 11 years have elapsed since signing of the Accord. It is sad that peace hasn't yet returned to CHT. The indigenous communities cannot send their children to school; they are unable to sell their agricultural products to important markets like
Dighinala.
We are surprised to learn that Bengali settlers attacked the villagers of Gangaram Mukh in Sajek shortly after the visit of international CHT Commission to Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban. Reports of attacks on temples and meditations centers have also been received. It is alleged that even government order has been issued against construction of temples.
Allegation of illegal occupation of land of indigenous population by non-govemment organisations like Development Organisation of the Rural Poor has come to light. We are shocked to learn the event of torture of environmental activist Ranglai Mro by army for campaigning on issue of forcible eviction of villagers in Bandarban. Mr. Mro was sentenced to 10 years of jail under the Emergency Powers Rules 2007. He was released through intervention of Ain O Shalish Kendra and National Rights Commission.
Even a large number of poor landless Bengali settlers want to return to their original homes because of lack of availability of ration and transport facility to send their children to school. People say that peace in CHT is possi -ble only after the land dispute is settled
UNHCR estimated that around 60 thousand indigenous people have been displaced internally betweeh 1992 and 1997. In a meeting with CI IT Commission headed by Lord Eric Avebury the chief of army stated that army was to provide health care services and to undertake development programs.
The Commission was also told that army was a part of the peace process and they would have to continue their role in establishing peace.
The problem of CHT is purely political Therefore, all development projects of CHT should be transferred to civil administration. Immediate redress of violation of human rights is necessary. Legal services must be provided to people living in the hills.
Though AL had the best of intentions to bring peace to CHT the Accord had some gaps. BNP-led government (2001 -06) did not pay much attention to bring peace. Army is performing its duties as security forces to protect the poor Bengalis settlers from being thrown out by the indigenous population.
Army appears to be also necessary for effective development. At the same time the indigenous community must be convinced politically that CHT is an integral part of Bangladesh and they must cooperate with government in its efforts for peace and development of the area.
Implementation of the Peace Accord is a complex and sensitive task. It involves social, political and economic problems. Had there been continuity of AI regime beyond 2001 there could, perhaps, have been substantial progress in implementation of the Accord. With its past experience of handling the issue successfully in 1997 we have good reason to hope that the new government would be able to bring peace in the Cl IT.
The writer is a former Joint Secretary