At a seminar titled "Political Thoughts on Overcoming the Chittagong Hill Tracts Problem in Bangladesh," speakers argued that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is unreasonable and called for the cancellation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Agreement. The event, organized by Bangladeshi professionals, took place at the National Press Club’s Abdus Salam Hall on Sunday (February 2) morning.

Shamsuzzaman Dudu, the chief guest and Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), emphasized that no conspiracies against Bangladesh would succeed. "Not an inch of land will be given to anyone," he declared, stressing the need for peaceful resolutions to the issues faced by all communities in the CHT. He called for ensuring the security and coexistence of both hill people and Bengalis in the region.

Dr. Mustafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of the Labor Party, labeled the CHT Peace Agreement as part of a larger international conspiracy aimed at turning Bangladesh into a Christian state. He advocated for a constitutional solution to address the problems of the tribal communities and the CHT.

LDP Joint Secretary General Dr. Niyamul Basir echoed similar sentiments, stating that the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights is unreasonable and that the CHT Peace Accord should be scrapped.

Ganadhikar Parishad Co-Secretary Mohammad Rashed Khan accused certain groups of conspiring in the name of peace in the CHT and called for their accountability. He also criticized Dr. Mohammad Yunus, labeling him a supporter of the King’s Party, and demanded the cancellation of all quotas except those for the disabled.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami asserted that Bangladesh cannot be divided as a nation. He described the demand for tribal recognition as part of India’s hegemonic agenda and called for constitutional amendments to address tribal issues.

Other speakers, including heroic freedom fighter Moniruzzaman Monir and Mujibur Rahman Hamini, emphasized the need for land security in the CHT and peaceful coexistence between hill people and Bengalis. Mominul Amin called for the arrest of tribal leaders involved in corruption and terrorism, while Maulana Ataur Rahman reiterated the demand to cancel the peace agreement and amend the constitution if necessary.

Minhaj Taqi, a member of the Rangamati District Council, presented a detailed overview of the demands, protests, and movements of tribal communities. A summary of the United Nation’s (UN)  declaration on indigenous rights was also shared with attendees.
 

BOB Post