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CHT insurgencies must be efficiently addressed 

Published : Tuesday, 24 September, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 366
AR Sumon
After the 1971 Liberation War, Bangladesh is perhaps passing through one of its most critical and vulnerable periods. The situation is such that the country faces threats from both internal and external sources. Currently, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation are at significant risk.

Terrorism in specific regions is a common issue for any country, especially in the developing world. Behind this, both domestic and foreign interests often play a role in orchestrating such threats. The Hill Tracts of Bangladesh are no exception. Although this region was relatively controlled, its intensity has increased recently, influenced by various national and political shifts over time.

When discussing terrorism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, it is essential to address some fundamental issues related to indigenous and tribal communities. The various small ethnic and tribal groups residing in Bangladesh's hill regions are often debated-are they indigenous peoples, tribal groups, or ethnic minorities?
The terms "indigenous" and "tribal" are often used together, but there are several important distinctions between them, and identifying as "indigenous" carries significant social, cultural, and political weight.

Indigenous peoples are considered the original or earliest inhabitants of a region, with their culture, language, and way of life deeply connected to the land they live on. They maintain a distinct way of life and have their own social, cultural, economic, and political systems. The term "indigenous" is internationally recognized, and various international organizations, including the United Nations, work to protect the rights of indigenous communities. These rights include land rights, access to education, healthcare, and social protection.

The term "indigenous" comes with certain rights and protections that are acknowledged by international bodies like the UN, offering safeguards that are not typically extended to tribal groups or other communities. These protections are particularly focused on preserving the identity, traditions, and land of indigenous peoples, which is not always the case for other groups.

The core issue lies here. Bangladesh's small ethnic communities make up about 1.11% of the total population, roughly 1.587 million people. Most of these communities reside in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and regions like Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. The largest ethnic minority group in Bangladesh is the Chakma, followed by others like the Garo, Tripura, and Santal.

Ethnically, 98% of Bangladesh's population is Bengali, while the remaining 2% consists of Biharis or various tribal groups. There are 13 tribal groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts alone.

Despite the fact that the Chittagong Hill Tracts cover nearly 10% of Bangladesh's total land area, around 1% of the country's population, who belong to various tribal groups, seek to establish a new state called "Jumland" on this 10% of land. This demand for a separate state is seen as a direct threat to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and is considered an act of treason.

Gaining recognition as "indigenous" means securing legal protection over traditional rights to land and natural resources. Indigenous communities can benefit from special privileges granted by the state and international organizations in terms of self-governance and political rights through this recognition. Therefore, claiming "indigenous" status is crucial for ensuring the protection and dignity of cultural, social, economic, and political rights.

In contrast, "tribal" refers to a socially distinct group that has not fully integrated into mainstream society. In Bangladesh, the term "tribal" is officially used to identify specific populations, ensuring their rights to cultural uniqueness. The term "tribal" is used in governmental and administrative contexts to classify social groups and is more locally recognized than internationally.

Indigenous peoples are generally recognized as the oldest inhabitants of a specific territory with a unique cultural identity, and they are acknowledged internationally with special rights beyond national borders. Meanwhile, "tribal" is more of a local classification, applied within governmental frameworks rather than at the international level.

The Muslims of Chittagong are often considered the original indigenous people of the region. It's not that the people of this area have been Muslim from time immemorial, but over time, many locals have changed their religion and worldview. Many believe that the tribal communities are the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. However, historical evidence suggests that the tribal or small ethnic groups were newcomers, and it is the Muslims who are the original inhabitants of this region.

In fact, based on historical, anthropological, and archaeological analysis, none of the tribal communities in Bangladesh are native to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Since the 9th and 10th centuries, the region was under Muslim rule. (To be continued)

The writer is a photojournalist and feature writer of the Daily Observer 



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