“The CHP alleges that the Peace Accord is not being fully implemented in Bangladesh.”

On 2 December 1997, a peace accord was signed between the Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Government of Bangladesh. The agreement contained 72 clauses. Through this accord, members of the Jana Sanghati Samiti gave up arms and returned to normal life.

However, even 28 years after the signing of the peace accord, the Government of Bangladesh has still not implemented all of its clauses. Only 25 clauses have been implemented so far. Although a Land Commission was formed as per the main provisions of the accord, no effective meetings of the commission have been held.

Due to the non-implementation of the clauses, the rights of the Chakma indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are being undermined.

On the 28th anniversary of the peace accord, on Tuesday, the human rights organization Campaign for Humanity Protection organized a discussion at the Agartala Press Club.

At the event, the organization’s president, Niranjan Chakma, said that the peace accord between the Government of Bangladesh and the Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) was signed on 2 December 1997 to restore peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He alleged that on the very day the accord was signed, an armed force was formed in Chittagong, and this armed group is being supported.

He further stated that of the 72 clauses of the peace accord, the government has implemented only 25 so far. He believes that it is essential for all clauses of the peace accord to be implemented in order to ensure proper execution. Otherwise, he fears, the indigenous communities of Chittagong may face extinction.

On this day, Dr. Chandrasekhar Kar participated as the chief guest at the discussion organized by Campaign for Humanity Protection. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Shyamal Chakma, Nayan Jyoti Tripura, vice-president of Campaign for Humanity Protection, former vice-chairman and noted social worker Dipangshu Chakma, and others.