Govt reconstitutes committee to oversee CHT Peace Accord implementation
27 years on, many major sections of the accord are yet to be implemented
The interim government has reconstituted a three-member Implementation and Monitoring Committee tasked with monitoring the implementation process of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord signed in 1997.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has been made convener of the committee, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs on 12 January.
The other members are - Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, president of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti, and Sudatta Chakma, senior secretary (equivalent rank), and chairman of the Taskforce for CHT Affairs.
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The committee is tasked with creating and implementing a comprehensive programme to complete all activities related to the surrender of arms and the granting of amnesty under this agreement.
It is responsible for coordinating the efforts of all relevant ministries, departments, and subordinate entities, including semi-government, autonomous agencies, and authorities involved in the implementation of the agreement.
The committee will provide necessary guidance and advice to ensure effective execution.
Additionally, the committee is authorised to address any issues arising during the implementation process and, if required, make recommendations to the government.
In line with the government's directives, all ministries and departments must take the necessary actions to implement the decisions and instructions issued by the committee.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, the committee may establish sub-committees as needed. The CHT affairs ministry will provide administrative support to the committee and cover all related expenses, as outlined in the official notification.
On 2 December 1997, the then Awami League government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord. While this landmark agreement was made 27 years ago, several of its key provisions remain unimplemented to this day. After the government's downfall on 5 August, demands arose for the implementation of these basic clauses of the accord.
On 24 August last year, the CHT Peace Implementation Movement held a press conference to demand that the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord be made a top priority for the interim government. During the event, they outlined five key actions, one of which was the reconstitution of the monitoring committee.
