Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Research in Humanities and Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Indigenous People in Bangladesh and The Peace Accord
Chakma Prakash
ABSTRACT:
This abstract discusses the challenges faced in implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in Bangladesh. The accord aims to address the marginalization of ethnic minority groups in the region. The Chittagong Hill Tracts is inhabited by indigenous communities like the Chakma, Marma, and Tanchangya, whose origins can be traced back to India and Mongolia several centuries ago. These communities primarily adhere to Buddhism and have unique Buddhist identities. Unfortunately, they are currently experiencing a rise in attacks and aggression from radicalized Muslim groups. This has resulted in instances of genocide, land seizures, and sexual abuses against indigenous women. It is claimed that tribal communities in Bangladesh suffer the most in terms of economic, social, cultural, and political rights due to their ethnic status. Land grabbing is a significant problem for them, as there are insufficient policies in place to safeguard their land. Some groups, like the Chakmas and Marmas, migrated to Bangladesh from modern Burma before the British period, while others migrated from Central India. These groups often face disadvantages compared to ethnic Bengalis, as Bangladesh was established as a Bengali nation-state. The ethnic minorities in Bangladesh have their own cultural traditions and languages. Many of them traditionally practice Buddhism and Hinduism, while others follow Christianity or animism. This paper evaluates the progress made in implementing the key provisions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord. The accord was signed on December 2, 1997, by the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), following a 25-year-long low-intensity guerrilla war. The war was fought in response to violations and oppression of the rights of ethnic minorities in the region. The complete implementation and recognition of the rights of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have been hindered by political conspiracies. This abstract highlights the pressing need to overcome these challenges and urges the government to uphold the peace accord, protect the rights of ethnic minorities, and promote inclusive socio-economic development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
keywords: Indigenous people, PCJSS, Chittagong hill tracks, Socio- economic development