Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman on Tuesday said the key to establishing peace in the country’s hill region rests with Bangladesh Army, not with any government.
He said the hill region remained under the authority of the army, which he believed was the only institution capable of ensuring peace and protecting the rights of indigenous communities.
“The key to establishing peace in the indigenous or hill region is in the hands of the army. The hill region is under the authority of the Bangladesh Army. They can establish peace. The matter of establishing peace in the hill region and ensuring the rights of indigenous people is not in the hands of any government of Bangladesh,” he told a press conference at the TIB office.
The briefing was organized to release a research report titled “Inclusion of Indigenous Communities in Social Safety Programs: Challenges of Good Governance and Ways Forward.”
The report was presented by research fellow Raziya Sultana. TIB adviser and executive management member Prof. Sumaiya Khair, Director (Research and Policy) Muhammad Badiuzzaman, and Director (Outreach and Communication) Touhidul Islam were also present.
Addressing the army, Iftekharuzzaman said: “They should demonstrate the will to take the lead in establishing peace.”
“We want to see them try—let them show that they will establish peace. If they step away from the current divide-and-rule approach and take initiatives based on true commitment and fact-based analysis, then it is possible,” he said.
He added that TIB had recently and formally notified the government in writing that the time has come for the army to “stand before the mirror and test itself.”
Citing Bangladesh’s long record in global peacekeeping, he said the army has earned pride and respect through participation in peace missions in 169 countries. “At this moment, the Bangladesh Army is working in at least 10 countries and making significant contributions with international recognition.”
Questioning why the army would not be able to establish peace in a region under its own authority, Iftekharuzzaman said the army should answer that. He termed it an opportunity for the force to elevate its acceptability, credibility, dignity and honor at home and abroad.
“They can establish peace in the hill region not with the help of the government, but through their own initiative,” he said.
He added that successful implementation of every clause of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord is possible if the army has the goodwill to pursue it.
“No past government or any other force has been able to do so. The most powerful and authoritarian government in the country’s history ruled for the last 15 years, and they also could not do it. It was not possible for them,” he said.
Recalling the first address to the nation by the chief adviser of the interim government, he said the speech mentioned the word “indigenous” and raised hopes for renewed peace efforts in the hill region. “But that did not happen. Although this is just an example.”
He said the authority to establish peace in the hill region does not currently exist, but such jurisdiction and capacity would emerge if the army undertakes the effort.
Expressing confidence in the force, he said: “The Bangladesh Army has that capability. If they want, they can truly establish peace in the hill region and set a positive example at home and abroad.”
