Rokan's Journal

Background: The Roots of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Conflict

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), a region comprising the three southeastern districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, has been a longstanding area of conflict within Bangladesh. This picturesque region is home to a number of indigenous communities, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and other tribal groups. These communities have distinct ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious identities that differ markedly from the Bengali Muslim majority of Bangladesh. Over the years, this difference in identity has fueled aspirations for autonomy, leading to deep-rooted tensions in the region.

Historical Context: Origins of the Conflict

The seeds of the Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict were planted as far back as the partition of British India in 1947. At the time, the largely Buddhist and Christian indigenous communities of the CHT found themselves incorporated into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This integration was not smooth, as the indigenous people felt marginalized in a country whose national identity was based on a strong emphasis on Bengali culture and Islam.

With the establishment of Pakistan, which was created as a homeland for Muslims in South Asia, the indigenous people of the CHT found themselves increasingly alienated, as their aspirations for autonomy were ignored. Tensions escalated further following the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. The new state, born from a violent struggle for self-determination against Pakistan, was focused on solidifying a national identity centered on Bengali language and culture. This only deepened the grievances of the CHT’s indigenous population, who sought recognition of their distinct identity within the newly formed state.

In 1972, soon after Bangladesh’s independence, the indigenous people, led by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), began demanding greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural identity. Their demands, which included regional autonomy and constitutional safeguards, were rejected by the government of Bangladesh, which led to the formation of an armed insurgency spearheaded by the Shanti Bahini (Peace Force), the militant wing of the PCJSS.

India’s Role in the Conflict

India’s involvement in the CHT conflict cannot be overstated. At that time, India, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, sought to use the insurgency in the CHT as a strategic tool to maintain leverage over Bangladesh. Following Bangladesh’s independence, India’s role in the region transitioned from a supportive ally during the liberation war to one of a neighbor keen on influencing its domestic affairs.

India’s strategy of supporting the insurgency had several dimensions. It provided covert assistance to the Shanti Bahini in the form of training, sanctuary, and logistical support. Insurgents often crossed the porous borders into India for safe haven, where they received both ideological and material support. This external backing emboldened the insurgents and prolonged the conflict, making it more difficult for Bangladesh to quell the unrest.

For Bangladesh, the insurgency became not just an internal security issue but a geopolitical one, with the state having to navigate its complex relationship with its larger and more powerful neighbor. The insurgency in the CHT allowed India to exert pressure on Bangladesh on multiple fronts, using the instability as leverage in diplomatic negotiations related to water-sharing, border disputes, and trade.

Military Deployment and Counter-Insurgency Efforts

For decades, the Bangladesh government had to deploy substantial security forces to manage the insurgency in the CHT. The military presence in the region grew significantly during the late 1970s and 1980s, as successive governments sought to regain control over the area. Several counter-insurgency operations were launched to curtail the activities of the Shanti Bahini, but the difficult terrain of the hill tracts, coupled with the insurgents’ knowledge of the area, made these efforts challenging.

The military’s counter-insurgency campaigns were marred by allegations of human rights abuses, leading to further alienation of the indigenous population. However, the security forces played a crucial role in maintaining the territorial integrity of the state, preventing the insurgency from spreading to other parts of the country. The sheer scale of the military’s involvement demonstrated the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which Bangladesh was willing to go to preserve its sovereignty.

The 1997 Peace Accord: A Step toward Resolution

After years of conflict and unrest, the Bangladesh government, led by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, took a significant step towards peace by signing the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord with the PCJSS. The accord marked a historic milestone in the efforts to bring stability to the region and was widely seen as a positive step toward reconciliation.

The 1997 Peace Accord provided for the establishment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, which granted the indigenous people a degree of local autonomy. The accord also called for the withdrawal of military forces from the region, the rehabilitation of displaced people, and the resolution of land disputes between settlers and the indigenous population.

Despite the significant progress made with the signing of the accord, the peace it promised has remained fragile. Several factions of the PCJSS rejected the agreement, arguing that it did not fully meet their demands for autonomy. This dissatisfaction, combined with the continued presence of Bengali settlers in the region, has kept tensions simmering below the surface. The agreement was also conflicting to the constitution so the implementation was difficult.

Current Situation: Renewed Geopolitical and Internal Threats

In recent years, the Chittagong Hill Tracts has once again become a focal point of geopolitical maneuvering, particularly in light of changing dynamics in South Asia. India’s interest in the region has not waned, and the CHT continues to serve as a strategic card for India in its relations with Bangladesh. The rise of China’s influence in the region, particularly through infrastructure investments and trade agreements, has made Bangladesh an important player in the broader geopolitical competition between India and China. India again trying to destabilize the situation in CHT to make the new interim government handle with another issue.

Reports suggest that Indian intelligence agencies, particularly RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), may be attempting to reignite old grievances in the CHT by offering covert support to dissident factions opposed to the 1997 Peace Accord. This is part of a broader strategy by India to create internal distractions for Bangladesh, forcing it to divert resources from regional development to addressing security concerns in the CHT. The demographic changes in the CHT, primarily due to the settlement of Bengali Muslims in the region, have also exacerbated tensions. This demographic shift, encouraged by past governments as part of a strategy to “Bengalize” the region, has resulted in land disputes and socio-political tensions between the indigenous people and the settlers. These issues have made the region more susceptible to external manipulation, as any spark could reignite unrest.

Role of the People: Unity in the Face of External Manipulation

At this critical juncture, the role of the people of Bangladesh, particularly those living in the CHT, is of paramount importance. Unity among the various communities—both indigenous and Bengali settlers—will be essential in preventing external actors from exploiting historical grievances for their own ends.

Fostering Inter-Community Relations

Fostering inter-community relations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is a critical step toward ensuring long-term peace and stability in a region that has endured decades of conflict. The relationship between the indigenous communities and the Bengali settlers has been fraught with tensions, primarily due to competing claims over land, cultural differences, and the demographic shifts that have taken place over time. These tensions have often led to violent confrontations and a deep sense of mistrust between the two groups, exacerbating the instability in the region.

Key Challenges in Inter-Community Relations

Decades of Conflict: The conflict between the indigenous people of the CHT and the Bengali settlers is rooted in long-standing historical grievances. The indigenous people, who consider themselves the original inhabitants of the region, have resisted the government-led settlement of Bengalis in the area, which they view as a threat to their cultural identity and territorial rights. This resistance has often escalated into violent clashes, with both sides suffering losses over the years.

Demographic Shifts: Over the past few decades, the government has encouraged Bengali settlement in the CHT as part of a broader policy to integrate the region with the rest of Bangladesh. This has significantly altered the demographic makeup of the area, leading to tensions over land ownership and control. The indigenous population feels increasingly marginalized, as they perceive the settlers to be encroaching on their ancestral lands and diluting their cultural heritage.

Competing Land Claims: Land ownership has been one of the most contentious issues in the CHT. Many indigenous families have lost their lands to Bengali settlers, often through dubious legal means or forced evictions. This has created a deep sense of alienation and resentment among the indigenous people, who view the settlers as agents of a government-backed plan to dispossess them. On the other hand, Bengali settlers, many of whom were resettled in the region due to economic hardships or political policies, view the land as their rightful home and source of livelihood.

Cultural Differences: The cultural differences between the indigenous people and the Bengali settlers have also contributed to the strained relationships. The indigenous communities have distinct languages, customs, and religious practices that differ from those of the predominantly Muslim Bengali settlers. These cultural disparities have led to social segregation, making it difficult for the two groups to interact harmoniously.

Strategies to Foster Understanding and Coexistence

One of the key challenges in the CHT is the relationship between the indigenous communities and the Bengali settlers. Decades of conflict, demographic shifts, and competing claims over land have strained these relationships. To prevent further divisions, both groups must work toward fostering understanding and coexistence.

The government can play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the indigenous people and settlers to address long-standing grievances. By resolving issues related to land ownership, cultural recognition, and access to resources, the government can reduce the sense of alienation felt by the indigenous population. To prevent further divisions and ensure peaceful coexistence, both the indigenous communities and the Bengali settlers must work toward mutual understanding and collaboration. The government, as a neutral arbiter, has a crucial role to play in facilitating this process. Some key strategies include:

Facilitating Dialogue: The government should actively promote dialogue between the indigenous people and the settlers to address long-standing grievances. This can be achieved through community meetings, mediation sessions, and conflict-resolution workshops, where both sides can openly discuss their concerns and seek common ground. By fostering open communication, the government can help reduce tensions and build trust between the communities.

Addressing Land Ownership Issues: Land ownership disputes are central to the conflict in the CHT. The government must take steps to resolve these disputes by conducting transparent land surveys, ensuring fair legal processes, and compensating those who have been displaced. Restitution of land to indigenous families, where applicable, could also be a critical step toward reconciliation. By addressing these land disputes, the government can alleviate one of the primary sources of tension in the region.

Promoting Cultural Recognition and Inclusivity: Cultural recognition is vital for fostering a sense of belonging among the indigenous communities. The government can play a role in promoting the cultural heritage of the indigenous people by recognizing their languages, traditions, and customs in national policies and educational curricula. Celebrating indigenous festivals, promoting intercultural exchanges, and providing platforms for indigenous voices in the media can help bridge the cultural divide and create a more inclusive society.

Improving Access to Resources: Many of the tensions in the CHT are also driven by competition for scarce resources such as land, water, and economic opportunities. The government should work to improve access to these resources for both indigenous people and settlers. This could include investing in local infrastructure, providing equitable access to education and healthcare, and creating economic opportunities that benefit both communities. By reducing competition over resources, the government can help mitigate some of the underlying causes of conflict.

Empowering Local Governance: The Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, established as part of the 1997 Peace Accord, can play a pivotal role in fostering inter-community relations. The council, which provides a degree of local autonomy to the indigenous population, should be empowered to address community concerns effectively. By strengthening local governance and ensuring that indigenous leaders have a voice in decision-making, the government can build trust and create a more participatory approach to regional development.

Promoting National Unity and Inclusivity: In the long term, fostering a sense of national unity that embraces diversity is essential for overcoming the divisions in the CHT. The government, civil society, and educational institutions must work together to promote values of inclusivity, respect, and tolerance for different cultural groups. Public campaigns that highlight the contributions of both the indigenous people and Bengali settlers to the region’s development can help build a shared sense of identity and purpose.

Raising Public Awareness

Public awareness of the CHT conflict, its historical context, and the role of foreign powers in perpetuating instability is crucial. The people of Bangladesh must understand the complexities of the issue to prevent external actors from manipulating local grievances for geopolitical gain.

Media outlets, civil society organizations, and educational institutions can contribute to this effort by highlighting the importance of national unity and the dangers of external manipulation. Through awareness campaigns and public discourse, the people of Bangladesh can become more vigilant in identifying and resisting foreign interference in their internal affairs.

Role of Security Forces: Ensuring Stability and Vigilance

The role of Bangladesh’s security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the CHT cannot be overstated. In a region with a history of insurgency and foreign interference, the security forces must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any resurgence of unrest. The security forces of Bangladesh play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), a region that has been historically prone to insurgency, unrest, and foreign interference. Given the complex dynamics of the region, which includes ethnic tensions, territorial disputes, and external manipulation, the presence and effectiveness of security forces are crucial in ensuring both short-term and long-term peace.

Context of Security Challenges

The CHT has a long history of conflict, particularly between the indigenous populations and the Bengali settlers. This unrest was compounded by insurgencies led by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and its armed wing, the Shanti Bahini, which fought for autonomy and the preservation of indigenous rights. The insurgency officially ended with the signing of the 1997 Peace Accord, but the region has remained fragile, with some groups dissatisfied with the accord and continuing low-level conflicts. Additionally, the region’s proximity to the borders of India and Myanmar makes it a hotspot for cross-border issues, including potential external interference, arms smuggling, and the movement of insurgent groups. In this context, the role of Bangladesh’s security forces is indispensable in preventing a resurgence of violence and maintaining national sovereignty over the region.

Strategic Importance of Security Forces

The role of Bangladesh’s security forces in the CHT is multifaceted and crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and national integrity. In a region with a history of insurgency and foreign interference, the security forces must remain vigilant, adaptable, and committed to both protecting the region and fostering trust among its people. By balancing military presence with efforts to build positive relations with the local communities, the security forces can help create an environment where peace can take root and thrive for the long term. Through intelligence gathering, border security, counter-insurgency operations, and collaboration with local authorities, the security forces are key to ensuring the CHT remains stable and secure in the face of internal and external challenges.

Vigilance against Insurgency: Despite the 1997 Peace Accord, there are still dissident factions and groups within the CHT that reject the terms of the agreement and seek greater autonomy or independence. These factions have the potential to reignite conflict, especially if they receive support from external actors. The security forces, particularly the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), need to remain vigilant against any signs of insurgency. This includes monitoring potential insurgent activities, dismantling armed groups, and preventing recruitment efforts.

Deterring Foreign Interference: The CHT has historically been susceptible to foreign interference, particularly from neighboring countries such as India and Myanmar. Reports suggest that Indian intelligence agencies, especially RAW, may have supported dissident factions in the CHT as part of broader geopolitical strategies. Additionally, the porous borders of the region provide opportunities for cross-border arms smuggling and insurgent movements. To counter this, Bangladesh’s security forces must maintain a strong presence along the borders, monitor border activity, and cooperate with neighboring countries on intelligence-sharing and joint border management.

Maintaining a Strategic Presence: One of the provisions of the 1997 Peace Accord was the withdrawal of some military forces from the region, which was seen as a confidence-building measure. However, in light of the continued tensions and external threats, it is essential for Bangladesh to maintain a strategic military presence in the CHT. A robust military presence serves multiple purposes, including deterring insurgent activities, preventing cross-border smuggling, and providing a rapid response to any outbreaks of violence or unrest. The military’s presence also reassures the indigenous population and settlers that the state is committed to maintaining law and order.

Balancing Military Engagement with Civilian Life: While a military presence is necessary, it must be balanced with efforts to ensure that the local population does not feel overly militarized or oppressed. The security forces should focus on building trust with the indigenous communities and settlers alike. This can be achieved by participating in community outreach programs, providing disaster relief when necessary, and working closely with local civilian leaders to address security concerns in a way that respects the rights and dignity of all communities.

Key Security Functions in the CHT

Border Security: Given the region’s proximity to India and Myanmar, securing the borders is of paramount importance. Smuggling, human trafficking, and cross-border insurgent activities are significant threats to stability in the CHT. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) plays a crucial role in patrolling these borders, preventing unauthorized movements, and ensuring that the region is not used as a corridor for illegal activities.

Counter-Insurgency Operations: The history of insurgency in the CHT means that security forces must remain prepared for the possibility of renewed conflict. Counter-insurgency operations, which involve both military and intelligence efforts, are essential for dismantling any groups that attempt to revive insurgent activities. These operations require precision and a strong intelligence base to minimize civilian casualties and avoid inflaming local tensions.

Intelligence Gathering: Intelligence operations are a cornerstone of maintaining security in the CHT. The region’s complex dynamics and the potential for foreign interference make it essential for Bangladesh’s security forces to invest in both human intelligence (HUMINT) and technological surveillance. By closely monitoring the activities of dissident groups and external actors, the security forces can anticipate potential threats and act preemptively to neutralize them.

Peacekeeping and Mediation: In addition to traditional military roles, the security forces often act as peacekeepers and mediators in local disputes, especially in cases where tensions between indigenous groups and settlers flare up. The military can serve as a neutral force that prevents violence while the government works toward long-term solutions to the underlying causes of conflict, such as land disputes and cultural grievances.

Development Initiatives: Economic development is critical for achieving lasting peace in the CHT, and security forces play a role in protecting development projects from sabotage or disruption by insurgent groups. Infrastructure development, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, requires security to prevent attacks and ensure that the benefits of development reach the people of the region. This also contributes to winning the hearts and minds of the local population by demonstrating that the government is committed to improving their quality of life.

Collaboration with Civil Authorities

Security forces must work closely with civilian authorities and the local population to create an integrated approach to maintaining peace. This involves collaboration with the police, local government officials, and community leaders to ensure that security operations do not alienate the population but instead build trust and cooperation. This also includes supporting local governance structures such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, ensuring that security measures are aligned with the broader goals of autonomy and local self-governance as laid out in the 1997 Peace Accord.

Training and Modernization

Given the evolving nature of security threats in the region, Bangladesh’s security forces must continually adapt and modernize. This includes investing in advanced surveillance technologies, improving intelligence capabilities, and conducting specialized training in counter-insurgency, border management, and community relations. Modernization of equipment and communication systems will allow for more efficient responses to threats and improve coordination between different branches of the security apparatus.

Maintaining a Strategic Presence

While the 1997 Peace Accord called for a reduction in the military presence in the CHT, it is essential to maintain a strategic balance. Given the renewed threats of insurgency and external manipulation, the security forces must maintain a presence in the region, particularly along the borders with India and Myanmar. A robust military presence can deter cross-border insurgent activities and prevent arms smuggling into the region.

Intelligence and Counter-Insurgency Operations

Intelligence gathering is critical in preventing a resurgence of insurgency in the CHT. The security forces must invest in advanced surveillance technologies and foster greater collaboration between military and civilian intelligence agencies. This will allow the government to detect emerging threats early and take preemptive action to neutralize them.

In addition to intelligence operations, the security forces must be prepared to carry out targeted counter-insurgency operations against any factions attempting to reignite conflict in the region. These operations should be based on accurate intelligence to minimize civilian casualties and avoid alienating the local population.

Role of the Government: Balancing Diplomacy and Development

The Bangladesh government plays a central role in addressing the complex issues in the CHT. It must balance the demands of the indigenous population with the need for national security while engaging diplomatically to counter external interference.

Implementing the 1997 Peace Accord

One of the government’s key challenges is fulfilling the promises made in the 1997 Peace Accord. While some progress has been made, many provisions, such as resolving land disputes and fully withdrawing military forces, remain incomplete. By fully implementing the accord, the government can reduce discontent among the indigenous people, making it harder for insurgents to gain support.

Diplomatic Engagement

Diplomatic engagement with India is essential to reducing tensions in the CHT. Bangladesh must use its diplomatic channels to pressure India into ceasing its support for insurgent factions. At the same time, Bangladesh should work to strengthen its relations with other regional powers, such as China and Myanmar, to create a counterbalance to Indian influence in the region.

Promoting Economic Development

Economic development is vital for ensuring long-term peace in the CHT. The region remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of Bangladesh, with limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. By investing in the region’s development, the government can address many of the underlying grievances that fuel discontent.

Recommendations

To ensure peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

Strengthen National Unity

Fostering national unity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is essential for long-term peace and stability. This requires bridging the gap between indigenous communities and Bengali settlers, who have often been at odds due to demographic shifts, land disputes, and cultural differences. The government can facilitate programs that promote inter-community dialogue and understanding, such as joint cultural events, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects aimed at mutual benefits. Additionally, fostering cooperation on local governance and resource management can reduce the sense of alienation felt by indigenous groups and prevent external actors from exploiting these divisions to fuel unrest.

Enhance Border Security

Given the strategic location of the CHT, enhancing border security with India and Myanmar is vital for preventing cross-border insurgent activities, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities that could destabilize the region. A more robust military presence along these borders can deter infiltration by insurgent groups and foreign agents. In addition to increasing troop numbers, it is crucial to employ modern surveillance technologies such as drones, satellite imagery, and electronic monitoring systems to track suspicious movements. The security forces should also coordinate with neighboring countries to improve intelligence-sharing and engage in joint patrols, ensuring that insurgent groups cannot use the borders as escape routes or smuggling corridors.

Improve Intelligence Capabilities

Investing in advanced intelligence-gathering systems is critical for detecting and neutralizing threats before they escalate. This includes upgrading surveillance technology, recruiting and training intelligence officers with expertise in the region, and improving coordination between military and civilian intelligence agencies. A particular focus should be placed on human intelligence (HUMINT) in the CHT to gather insights from local communities. Establishing community-based intelligence networks can help security forces identify and prevent insurgent activities and external interference. Technological advancements, such as cyber-surveillance and real-time communication systems, should also be integrated into the broader intelligence framework to ensure quick and effective responses to emerging threats.

Full Implementation of the 1997 Peace Accord

The 1997 Peace Accord was a landmark agreement, but many of its key promises, such as resolving land disputes, fully withdrawing military forces, and granting local autonomy, remain unfulfilled. Full implementation of the accord is essential to reduce discontent among the indigenous people, who may otherwise turn to insurgent groups or external powers for support. Addressing issues like land rights, the rehabilitation of displaced people, and ensuring cultural recognition will foster goodwill and trust in the government. The establishment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council should be strengthened, allowing greater local control over governance and resources, which can reduce grievances and prevent the resurgence of conflict.

Diplomatic Pressure on India

India has historically played a complex role in the CHT conflict, with allegations that Indian intelligence agencies have covertly supported insurgent factions. Engaging diplomatically with India to halt this support is crucial. Bangladesh should leverage its regional alliances and participate in multilateral forums to bring international attention to the issue. At the same time, confidence-building measures between Bangladesh and India, such as increased trade, joint infrastructure projects, and enhanced cooperation on border management, can reduce tensions and decrease India’s motivation to interfere in the CHT. Diplomatic channels must also focus on fostering a long-term, stable relationship that promotes mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Promote Development

The CHT remains underdeveloped compared to other regions of Bangladesh, with limited access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This underdevelopment contributes to the grievances of the indigenous population and makes the region more vulnerable to instability. By investing in the social and economic development of the CHT, the government can address the root causes of discontent. Key areas of focus should include building infrastructure, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting local industries that can create employment opportunities. Development projects should be designed to benefit both indigenous communities and settlers, ensuring that no group feels marginalized. Inclusive development will not only enhance the quality of life but also foster a sense of national unity and belonging, reducing the likelihood of conflict.

Conclusion

The Chittagong Hill Tracts remains a sensitive and strategically important region for Bangladesh. The historical grievances of the indigenous population, compounded by external interference, make the region vulnerable to renewed instability. However, with a combination of national unity, military preparedness, and diplomatic engagement, Bangladesh can secure lasting peace in the region. By learning from past mistakes and addressing the root causes of discontent, Bangladesh can ensure a prosperous and stable future for all its people, both in the CHT and beyond.