Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies (ICLDS), arranged a roundtable on "Overall Development of Chattogram Hill Tracts: Importance of Harmony and Coexistence" at Dhaka on 25 June 2019. The participants have emphasized core issues like resolving land disputes, dismantling local armed groups, rehabilitation of those displaced by Kaptai Dam, effectiveness of institutions including the CHT Affairs Ministry and CHT Regional Council, the role of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission, land survey needed first, remote areas to come under development activities, viability of initiatives taken for bringing peace in the region, the development projects worth about Tk 8,500 crores are underway, the Prime Minister's directives to speed up the peace process, rules for the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act finalization, destabilizing the region should not be allowed, importance of Accord in light of present day regional and international politics specially Myanmar-Bangladesh Rohingya crisis, increase of maritime importance of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and rivalry of China and India, and hill people's problems should be seen from their perspective etc. The different stake holders and state organs are responsible to implement those issues for good governance.
We feel that Bangladesh Government must solve grievances of old surrendered (Rehabilitees/non rehabilitees) insurgents. As such, new trust building activities needed to put PCJSS, UPDF, and other splinter groups in the negotiation table. Creating an environment of social justice and equal rights will enable CHT people (Tribal and Bangle) to live with dignity and in harmony with each other. The regional powers and international community are concerned about the situations of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The coexistence of China and India in geo strategic environment may ensure continued peace in CHT. Recently UPDF in June 2022 has submitted a proposal with comprehensive solutions to the problem of Accord. The details are not available or an open source. But, it may be an eye opener for other groups to sit in the table. In recent days, we find lots of activities in Myanmar and Bangladesh border. It has created security, social cohesion and good governance concerns. It is imperative to understand the inner dynamics and linkages of the overall situation of Myanmar, Bangladesh and India bordering areas.
The policy makers, stakeholders of the Bangladeshi government, tribal leadership and other regional countries specially Myanmar and India may consider about social cohesion, peace and security in Bangladesh and South Asia by adopting measures like 1) consider Accord, as a critical social cohesion and national security issue and government (Ministry of CHT Affairs) to build an nationwide consensus in favour of the Accord,2) undertake required constitutional revision to accept the provisions of Accord within the unitary character of Bangladesh and confirm through national franchise,3)modify and implement provisions of Land Commission confirming the legal guarantees to both tribal and Bengali people residing in CHT, 4) build national consensus on bilateral issues with India and Myanmar after national dialogue with the participation of all political parties including PCJSS, UPDF and splinter groups to reap the benefit of regional security and economic cooperation, 5) consider SAARC and BCIM as an organization of regional cooperation and consultation encompassing all issues including security,6) incorporate in our constitution the reoriented country's social cohesion and national security perception based on the War of Independence and People's participation and support, 7) determine the requirement of a Higher Integrated National Security Apparatus and provide a clear and well-defined strategy to all state organs and AF to respond to social cohesion and traditional and nontraditional threats in both peace and war based on constitutional guidance, 8) develop strategies for greater civil-military cooperation to ensure that civil societies and state institutions clearly understand the danger of absence of cohesion, social conflicts, weak core state apparatus, NTS threats and essentiality for integrating AF with people, 9) provide necessary government guidance and policy direction to strengthen core state institutions, which are dominated by colonial legacy and anti-people aspirations through amendment of all colonial rules, regulations, acts and root out dysfunctional colonial, attitude, mentality and practices,10) reorganize the modified local government mechanism in CHT with proper authority, monetary allocation and supervision to reap the benefits at the remote areas,11) reorganize Ministry of CHT Affairs as "Ministry of Affairs of Ethnic Groups" to suit integration of all small ethnic groups within the social fabrics of Bangladesh and provide them with adequate good governance as per the constitution and the need of the ethnic group and 12) continue dialogue based on the proposal submitted by UPDF and share with other political parties of CHT and Bangladesh.
The elements of social cohesion and good governance are closely interrelated, complementary and at times mandatory to support each other. Accord brought new hope and aspirations after a long insurgency/CIO. The different aspects of Accord could not satisfy the tribal, the settler Bengali and the government. The implementation process is still on. The entire gamut of Accord implementation will require successful and right perspective of social cohesion which may bring peace and tranquility in CHT. The good governance is in a mess in most of the South Asian countries. The people are the worse sufferer. It is imperative to ensure that the future prosperity and security of South Asia depend on social cohesion and good governance. Accord can be a beacon of hope and success for South Asia where about 2000 millions of people live.
The writer is a retired military officer. He can be reached at Email: ghaniboby@yahoo.com
