Dhaka: The Parbatya Chattogram Nagarik Parishad (PCNP) has called for the inclusion of its representatives in the government's newly formed executive and advisory committees on the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). The organization stressed that local stakeholders should be involved in seeking a lasting solution to the region's challenges.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this demand was made during a discussion meeting and press conference organized by the PCNP and Matribhoomi Suraksha Andolan at the national press club in Dhaka. Kazi Mujibur Rahman, the PCNP Chairman, expressed appreciation for the formation of these committees and outlined a seven-point list of demands directed at the government.
The PCNP's demands include the repeal of the CHT Regulation, 1900, the introduction of a land-management system akin to that in the plains, and the resumption of land settlement for both landless Bengalis and indigenous communities. Additionally, the organization advocated for the establishment of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) outposts at one-kilometer intervals, the reestablishment of withdrawn Army camps, and the creation of a full Army division in the CHT region.
The group also called for the development of tourism, equal taxation rights for Bengali and indigenous residents, and the establishment of more higher educational institutions, medical colleges, and technology universities across the three hill districts. Several speakers at the event accused groups such as JSS, UPDF, and KNF of engaging in armed activities and extortion within the CHT and urged for stronger actions against these groups and the eradication of illegal arms.
PCNP leaders rejected claims of military dominance in the hills, highlighting the Bangladesh Army's involvement in various humanitarian activities including medical services, disaster response, and vocational training. Ashraf Ali Akon, a presidium member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the event's chief guest, accused armed groups of attempting to destabilize the country with foreign backing and emphasized the need for heightened security measures in the region.
Some speakers further alleged that certain civil society factions and intellectuals were supporting or advancing narratives that favor armed groups, although no evidence was provided for these claims during the event.