Staff Reporter :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director, Iftekharuzzaman, has called for the abolition of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Ministry, citing its failure to protect the rights of indigenous people.
He proposed establishing a diversity commission to address the unique needs of these communities and secure their rightful place in society.
Speaking at a discussion organised by the Kapaeeng Foundation at The Daily Star Centre, Iftekharuzzaman stated, “The Chittagong Hill Tracts Ministry, established in accordance with the Peace Accord, has completely failed to protect the rights of indigenous people. It should be abolished.
It has become development-centric, and as a result, the indigenous people are subjected to majority rule.”
He criticised the ministry for prioritising infrastructure projects over the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous populations, arguing that such activities were eroding their identity rather than upholding their rights.
Iftekharuzzaman, also known for his work in anti-corruption reform, underscored the urgent need for constitutional recognition of indigenous people, asserting that this was a fundamental right rooted in their history and culture. He challenged critics who downplay the importance of constitutional recognition, urging them to address the real barriers to achieving this acknowledgement.
“Some argue that constitutional recognition alone will not solve all the problems, but they fail to identify the actual barriers preventing such recognition,” he said, advocating the formation of a constitutional commission to facilitate this process.
He also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in advancing indigenous rights, stating, “The rights of indigenous people will never be established unless every citizen considers this struggle as their own.”
The discussion highlighted the significant challenges faced by indigenous communities in Bangladesh and reinforced the necessity for systemic reforms to ensure equity and inclusion.
