Composition | The Peace Treaty

On December 2, 1997, an important Peace Treaty was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the Janasanghati Samity of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The person representing the government, Mr. Abdul Hasnat Abdullah, who holds a high position in the parliament, signed the treaty on their behalf. The president of Janasanghati Samity, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also participated in the signing. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present during the ceremony.

This Peace Treaty has shown the world that political problems can be resolved through discussions and agreements. The treaty brought an end to the violent conflicts that had devastated the hill tracts for over 18 years. It contains four main guarantee clauses, each with additional sub-clauses. To ensure the implementation of the treaty, a committee of three members has been established, and the Prime Minister will appoint a leader for this committee.

In the past, various governments attempted to find a solution to the issues in the Hill Tracts, but they were not successful. In 1972, the late leader Manabendra Narayan Larma demanded provincial autonomy, but the government at that time refused. In 1973, the armed group of the Janasanghati Samity, known as the "shanti Bahini," was formed, which led to a great deal of bloodshed and indiscriminate killings.

The truth is that the people living in the hill districts simply desire peace. They want to live a normal and peaceful life. Since the signing of the Treaty, many tribal people who had fled across the border out of fear have started returning. Despite criticism of the government, those who oppose it have not presented better alternatives.

In conclusion, the Peace Treaty has received positive recognition from international organizations. Moreover, tensions in the Hill Tracts have significantly decreased since the agreement was signed. Finally, we hope that the Peace Treaty will continue to hold in the future.