Stop mischievous campaign about Chittagong Hill Tracts-CPB

Communist Party of Bangladesh has strongly condemned mischievous propaganda by interested quarters about limited withdrawal of Army from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim in a statement to the press said that certain quarters have started mischievous campaign against withdrawal of some troops from CHT. These quarters resorted to such provocative campaign of lies in the past and pushed the country into conspiracy and untoward incidents. The leaders mentioned that about a decade ago a Peace Treaty was signed in CHT. As a result of the agreement peace was established in the Hills, armed struggle and killing of Army personnel and other civilians come to an end. The whole world welcomed the peace treaty. BNP-Jamat alliance opposed the agreement and carried out propaganda that as a result of the agreement CHT will secede from Bangladesh. But when they came to power,they did not cancel the accord.. Now according to the peace accord,though belated a limited number of troops are being withdrawn. Even when the withdrawal of troops will be completed as envisaged in the treaty. 6 cantonments will remain in the area with troops armaments as in other cantonments allover the country.

Certain quarters are campaigning in such a way as if CHT was an occupied teritory and the Army is being withdrawn leaving the CHT in the hands of the enemies. It may be mentioned that despite apprehensions from certain quarters CHT has not seceded. Nor does any other country lay claim to CHT. On the other hand other than CHT in many other places we have border disputes since long.

Recently India and Myanmar has laid claims on Bangladesh Blocks in the Bay of Bengal earmarked for exploration of oil and gas. There was some military tension in the area. Actually preparations should be taken to give due attention to those areas.

Manzur and Selim said that we are of the opinion that the peace treaty and understanding should be implemented in full. It is not enough to withdraw troops but an end to the virtual Military rule in the area should be ensured.

As in other places of the country the Govt. and civil administration should take every measure so that the Paharis and Bangalees can live in peace in the area. The political leadership has also a great responsibility in this matter. Provocations against each other, disrupting peace process and again pushing towards a war situation etc will give rise to a dangerous crisis. If we look into recent tragic events in several countries of the present day world we can realize this danger. Chittagong Hill Tracts is an integral part of Bangladesh. If at any time our sovereignty is threatened due to imperialist conspiracy additional troops can always be sent like in other such areas. The Adibasis, Bangalees, Hindus, Muslim, Budhdhist, Christians all are equal citizens with equal rights and dignity. The rights and honor of all of them must be ensured to consolidate the independence and integrity of Bangladesh.

-20August, 2009 CPB Press Release.