The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, a landmark agreement signed on December 2, 1997, between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS), aimed to resolve longstanding conflicts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by recognizing the distinct identity and rights of its indigenous peoples.
The agreement established a Regional Council to oversee local governance and development, facilitating the rehabilitation of displaced individuals. Despite these intentions, the full implementation of the accord remains incomplete after 27 years. Key provisions, such as demilitarization, land dispute resolution, and effective functioning of local governance bodies, have not been fully realized.
Indigenous leaders and rights activists express frustration over this stagnation, citing a lack of political will and bureaucratic hurdles as significant obstacles. Recent developments have further complicated the situation, with violent clashes erupting between Bengali settlers and Indigenous communities in September 2024, resulting in deaths and the destruction of homes and businesses.
The emergence of new armed groups also poses significant challenges to stability and the peace process. The interim government has acknowledged these issues and called for restraint and renewed efforts toward peace. However, the path to fully implementing the accord and achieving lasting peace in the CHT remains fraught with challenges, necessitating sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
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