Shibbir Ahmed, New York, United Nations: Bangladesh has presented its progress on implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord at the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters.
Speaking at the forum, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, outlined the government’s initiatives to implement the peace accord and promote the development, cultural preservation, and rights of indigenous and ethnic communities.
He emphasized that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, caste, gender, or place of birth. Regarding the implementation of the peace accord, he noted that the process is ongoing through an inclusive and participatory approach. Out of the 72 provisions of the accord, 65 have been fully implemented, 3 partially implemented, and 4 are currently in progress.
Rahman also highlighted measures taken to ensure security in the CHT region, maintain environmental balance, and resolve land disputes through land surveys and management initiatives. He informed the forum about broader development efforts undertaken by the government in the region.
He further stated that the government has recently appointed a Special Assistant on ethnic affairs with the status of State Minister, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance and participation of indigenous communities in decision-making processes.
In addition, the government’s initiatives to reduce poverty and inequality were highlighted, including expanded social safety nets, rural infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and livelihood diversification programs.
On preserving cultural and linguistic diversity, Rahman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the unique heritage of indigenous communities. He noted ongoing efforts to expand education and healthcare services, including scholarships, multilingual and e-learning systems, district hospitals, Upazela health complexes, community clinics, and mobile medical teams.
Addressing climate change, he mentioned that the government has adopted a plan to plant two million trees in the hill districts as part of broader environmental initiatives.
The two-week session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is being held from April 20 to May 1, 2026. The Bangladesh delegation, led by Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, includes the Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, Major General (Retd.) Anup Kumar Chakma, along with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of indigenous communities from both hill and plain regions.
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council and works on global indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
