Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipen Dewan has said the government will deliver “good news” soon regarding the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord.
He made the remarks on Thursday (April 9) at a press conference at the Secretariat, held in connection with programmes organized to mark major social festivals of various communities in the CHT, including Biju, Baisu, Sangrai, Bishu, Changlan, and Changkran.
When asked about steps the government would take on aspects of the Peace Accord that have yet to be implemented, the minister said, “The Peace Accord is a matter of negotiation. We have just come to power, and you will see. I believe you will receive a satisfactory answer. Please be patient—it has only been one to one and a half months. You will receive good news; I can say that much.”
The Peace Accord was signed on December 2, 1997, between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) during the Awami League government. Its primary aim was to end over two decades of armed conflict and ensure peace and development in the hill districts.
On the issue of frequent killings in the hill districts and the government’s role in controlling them, Dipen Dewan said, “This is not within my ministry’s purview; it is a matter for the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, I can cooperate with the Home Ministry.”
The press conference was attended by State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Members of Parliament from Bandarban and Khagrachhari hill districts, the Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, and senior officials of the ministry.