The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord Implementation Movement has urged all national political parties to include the full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord in their upcoming election manifestos.

In a statement released today, signed by joint conveners Zakir Hossain and Prof Khairul Islam Chowdhury, the movement said letters were sent to major political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and others participating in the elections.

The letter highlighted that the CHT is a diverse region with multiple ethnic communities that have historically been deprived of political rights and opportunities to preserve their culture and traditions.

Despite the signing of the historic accord on December 2, 1997, after decades of armed conflict, key provisions remain unimplemented, and the region continues to face conflict and marginalisation of indigenous communities, the letter said.

It called for a clear action plan to implement the accord, along with five specific demands, including preparing a time-bound action plan for rapid and proper implementation of the accord, ending permanent military authority and indirect military rule in the hills, democratising the CHT Regional Council and the three hill district councils according to the accord, and ensuring indigenous participation in mainstream economic growth and sustainable development programs.

The movement urged political parties to take these recommendations seriously and include them in their election manifestos, emphasising that the upcoming election presents an opportunity to strengthen democracy and inclusivity in the country.