DHAKA, Jan 6, 2025 (BSS)- Speakers at a book launching ceremony here today underscored the need for collective efforts by local communities, the government, and international partners to achieve lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

They stressed that such peace is crucial not only for Bangladesh but also for the security of the wider region.

The book "Regional Security and CHT Peace Accord 1997: An Unfinished Peace Building Model of Bangladesh" was authored by Brig Gen Md Nasimul Gani (retd).

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain attended as the chief guest on the occasion held at Foreign Service Academy.

Special Assistant on Defense and National Integration Development Lt. Gen. Abdul Hafiz (retd) was the special guest.
 
Writer and thinker Prof Salimullah Khan also addressed the gathering.

Speakers noted that since the signing of the CHT Peace Accord 27 years ago, the region is yet to achieve stability.
 
Touhid emphasized the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding to prevent minor issues from escalating into major conflicts.

“If we can establish basic respect and understanding, small issues will not escalate into significant conflicts,” he said.

Touhid highlighted the necessity of acknowledging the unique culture of the CHT and rights of the diverse groups in the region to pave the way for peace.

However, he acknowledged that rebuilding trust after years of mutual suspicion is a challenge. Initially, such suspicion was not there, but it grew gradually,” he said.

The adviser urged the local authorities to adopt the right steps to foster harmony. “We need to develop a culture of mutual respect and care,” he added.

Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz said there is a broader regional implication of peace in the CHT due to its proximity with India and Myanmar.

He called for continued dialogue among government agencies, security forces, and civil society to promote harmony in the CHT.

Prof Salimullah Khan attributed the lack of economic progress in CHT to lack of political will. “This peace accord has not been implemented over the last 27 years because we didn’t want to implement it,” he said.

Prof Khan emphasized the importance of listening to the people’s voice and suggested that genuine effort could lead to successful implementation of the accord.