Speakers at a Chattogram seminar call for evidence-based research, equal constitutional rights and democratic dialogue to address longstanding issues in the hill region.
Professor Dr Mahfuz Parvez, chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Chittagong, speaks at a seminar titled “Ethnic Communities and International Law: Bangladesh’s Reality and Sustainable Solutions” at Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital on 8 August 2026. Photo: TBS
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Professor Dr Mahfuz Parvez, chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Chittagong, speaks at a seminar titled “Ethnic Communities and International Law: Bangladesh’s Reality and Sustainable Solutions” at Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital on 8 August 2026. Photo: TBS
A seminar in Chattogram has called for a review of various provisions of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord to promote sustainable peace, development and stability in the region.
Professor Dr Mahfuz Parvez, chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Chittagong, made the call as the keynote speaker at a seminar titled “Ethnic Communities and International Law: Bangladesh’s Reality and Sustainable Solutions” today (8 August).
Pathshala CHT Research Cell organised the seminar at the conference room of Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital.
Mahfuz said the CHT holds significant geographical, social and cultural importance for Bangladesh, with ethnic communities and Bengali residents living across the region.
“Ensuring equal constitutional rights for all citizens is a fundamental principle of a modern state,” he said, stressing the need to protect the rights of all communities to maintain peace and stability in the hills.
He also warned against divisive politics and deliberate efforts that could undermine social harmony in the region.
Muhammad Kawsar Ullah, coordinator of the research cell and chair of the seminar, called for further research into the history and origins of the communities living in the CHT.
He said the terms “indigenous” and “tribal” are not synonymous and argued that the ethnic communities in the region should be considered “tribal” in light of relevant International Labour Organization conventions.
Kawsar also claimed that some provisions of the CHT Accord had created discrimination against Bengali residents in education, employment and other areas.
He called for a review of the agreement to ensure equal rights for all citizens.
Speakers at the seminar stressed the importance of evidence-based research and impartial assessment of the region’s history. They also called for peaceful and democratic dialogue on ethnic identity, citizenship rights, international law and implementation of the CHT Accord.
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