Staff Reporter

The Sovereignty Protection Council has demanded the abolition of the tribal governance system and the establishment of a constitutionally-compliant single administrative structure to protect state sovereignty in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

This demand was made at a citizens’ rally organized in front of the National Press Club in the capital at 4 pm on Friday (October 10).
BNP Chairperson’s advisor Habibur Rahman Habib spoke as the chief guest at the rally.

The keynote speaker was Bangladesh Muslim League President Mohsin Rashid.

The main speaker was Mehedi Hasan Palash, editor of Parbatya News.

Retired military officers Brigadier General ATM Ziaul Hasan (retd), Colonel Hasinur Rahman (retd), Lt. Colonel Khandaker Faridul Akbar (retd), Major Harunur Rashid (retd), RJF Chairman SM Zahirul Islam, Riazul Hasan and Dr. Sharif Abdullah His Shaki were present as special guests.

The rally was also chaired by Justice Abdus Salam Mamun, Chief Advisor, Sovereignty Protection Council, and moderated by Md. Mustafa Al Ihjaz, Chief Coordinator, Sovereignty Protection Council.

Speakers at the rally said that the Chittagong Hill Tracts are an integral part of Bangladesh and a strategically very important region. But for a long time, the stability of this region has been seriously disrupted due to international conspiracies, the influence of neighboring countries and the activities of tribal extremist organizations. The speakers alleged that despite occupying about 90 percent of state facilities, some tribal groups are indulging in anti-state activities and are creating a direct threat to the integrity and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

They said that the so-called “peace agreement” of 1997 was essentially part of an anti-state conspiracy, through which tribal hegemony has been established over the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The speakers claimed that there are currently six armed extremist organizations active in the hilly region, which are involved in disappearances, murders, land grabbing and anti-Bengali activities.

The speakers also said that the dream of forming a separatist state in the Chittagong Hill Tracts will never succeed. If necessary, a strong movement will be launched by uniting the people to protect state sovereignty.

Also present at the event were national politicians, former military officers, journalists, lawyers, student representatives from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and leaders of various professional organizations.

The leaders of the Sovereignty Protection Council said, “We are and will always be by the side of the state in protecting the security, sovereignty and civil rights of the state. If necessary, a strict program will be announced to unite the people of the country and protect the Chittagong Hill Tracts.”