Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reaffirmed the Awami League-led government's strong commitment to execute the CHT Peace Accord for the continuation of development programmes in the region.

“This government is pledge-bound to fully implement the peace accord and it's working relentlessly to this end,” she said while addressing the 'Headmen' of Rangamati through a video conference from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The prime minister said there was no lack of enthusiasm from the government side to execute the accord as the AL government in its previous term had struck the deal to bring peace in the troubled hill tracts.

Mentioning that there had long been no development in the hilly region, she said there was a need for socioeconomic development in the area for which her government had been working tirelessly.

She also sought all-out cooperation from the CHT people in continuing the development activities.

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Abdus Sobhan Golap and Mahbubul Haque Shakil (media) were present at Gono Bhaban.

Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Moshiur Rahman, State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukder, CHT Affairs Ministry Secretary Naba Bikram Kishore THpura and Chakma Raja Devasish Roy were present at Rangamati Ethnic Minority Institute auditorium during the video conferencing. Headman Kaberi Roy also interacted with the prime minister.

Hasina also disclosed the government's decision to increase the allowances of the 'Headman' to Tk 1,000 from the existing Tk 300, while that of 'Karbari' to Tk 500 from Tk 200 and the circle chiefs to Tk 10,000fromTk5,000.

Turning to a proposal placed by Raja Devasish Roy, the prime minister observed that steps could be taken so that the 'Headmen' could collect taxand get a percentage.

She listed the steps taken by her government that includes removing the army camps, rehabilitating the refugees, creating employment opportunities and imparting training to those laid down their arms apart from providing financial assistance to their families.

The prime minister also mentioned various steps taken for the welfare of the hilly people, including facilitating the

use of mobile phone, medical services through establishing clinics, improving communication system, ensuring safe drinking water and initiating a move to establish solar power system.

After 2001, the AL president alleged that the successive BNP-Jamaat government did not take any step to implement the peace accord.

Referring to the huge prospects of tourism in the CHT region, Hasina mentioned that her government was working to tap the potentials.

About land-related complications, she requested all to extend their cooperation to the land commission formed to protect the rights of the hilly people. "It won't be wise to create any problem out of any speculation; and don't worry as long I'm there in power."

Hasina said the land ownership in the region would be handed over to the deserving people to avert any future problem. "We'll protect the rights of the hilly people while the commission will work to this end.”

She underscored the need for increasing tax collection in the region observing that the income of people was increasing.

Hasina also revealed her plan to establish a university in the CHT region keeping intact the natural landscape. “We have a plan this time and we'll bring a special architect to do that keeping the natural beauty unharmed.”