Journalist buys freedom

The sub-editor of a journal kidnapped by miscreants Saturday secured his freedom on payment of ransom on Monday night. Nicolas Chakma, 40, Sub-Editor of 'Maurum', a research journal on tribal people based in the capital, was kidnapped from upazila parishad area of the town on Saturday evening.>more>
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/31/news0986.htm

Papaya farming gains popularity in CHT

Commercial farming of papaya has been gaining popularity among the indigenous farmers in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as it is more profitable than other crops.

Some 1055 hectares of land have been brought under papaya cultivation this year only in Bandarban with a target of 30,000 metric tones, sources at Agriculture Extension Department (AED) of Bandarban said.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=119802

JSS leader killed in Khagrachhari

Unknown assailants killed a leader of leading indigenous forum Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) with sharp weapons at Boradom village in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari district early Monday.

He was identified as Pradip Chandra Chakma alias doctor Jogesh, 40, son of Pravat Chandra Chakma of the village, reports our Khagrachhari correspondent.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=21336

JSS leader killed in Khagrachharhi

hagrachharhi, Dec 28 (bdnews24.com) – Unknown assailants killed a Janasanghati Samity leader at Dighinala upazila in Khagrachharhi early on Monday.

Police suspected Pradip Kanti Chakma Jogesh, 43, was hacked to death at Baradam.

Dighinala police chief Subhash Chandra Paul told bdnews24.com that intra-party conflicts might have led to the killing of the indigenous leader, whose head bore several wounds from sharp weapons. >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=149734&cid=2

Complete peace needed for dev, says Raja Devashish

Raj Punyah, the traditional royal festival of the Chakma dynasty, began on the premises of Chakma Rajbari (palace) amid great enthusiasm and fanfare in Rangamati hill town yesterday.

On the first day of the three-day festival, thousands of indigenous people including Chakma, Marma, Tangchagya, Tripura, Pankhua, Lusai, Khiyang, Bawm and Chak communities from Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari hill districts thronged the Rajbari premises.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=119599

Govt to develop exclusive tourist zone

he government has taken initiatives to create an exclusive tourist zone in Cox's Bazar and Bandarban districts and a proposal has been developed accordingly for approval by the authorities concerned.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Dr Oli Ahmed told reporters today about the plan at Chimbuk Hill Rest House after a visit to the area.

He said five spots of Rangamati and Bandarban were identified for development with cable car facilities for tourists. The government has already given approval to a project for installation of cable car in these spots.>more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/28/news0800.htm

Raj Punyah begins in Rangamati

The three-day traditional 'Raj Punyah' festival began at the compound of Chakma Rajbari (palace) in Rangamati Sunday afternoon.

Chakma Raja Devasish Roy and prince Tribhuban Aryadev Roy ascended the makeshift throne at about 2:10pm as the 'Raj Darbar' started according to the traditional customs.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=21324

BTKS demands constitutional recognition as ethnic minority groups

he two-day 6th council of the Bangladesh Tanchangya Kalyan Sangstha (BTKS) was concluded on Saturday with a vow to gain recognition of the constitutional guarantee as the ethnic minority groups living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to uphold their culture and heritage. >more>
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/27/news0729.htm

DANISH SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROJECT IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

Einar Hebogård Jensen, the Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh and Stefan Priesner, Country Representative, UNDP today signed an agreement on the Agriculture and Food Security Project (AFSP) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

(Pic:- From Left: Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Representative, UNDP and H.E. Einar Hebogård Jensen, Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh.)

The Embassy of Denmark will contribute Danish Kroner 20 million for the Agriculture and Food Security Project. The Agriculture and Food Security Project, is funded under Danida supported Agriculture Sector Programme Support II (ASPS II) and implemented by UNDP

through the ‘Promotion of Development and Confidence Building in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Project’ and is an integral part of the Community Empowerment Programme (CEP). The overall agreement regarding ‘Promotion of Development and Confidence Building in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Project’ was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and UNDP on 27 September 2009. >more> http://www.ambdhaka.um.dk/en/menu/TheEmbassy/News/DanishSupportForTheAgricultureAndFoodSecurityProjectInTheChittagongHillTracts.htm?wbc_purpose=b&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublis%252CPresentationUnpublis,PresentationUnpublis,PresentationUnpublis

44pc children in char lands go to school : Study

About 50 percent of the population living in char (shoal) lands in north-western region of the country are illiterate and only 44 percent of children in these areas go to school, according to a study of Unnayan Shamannay, a research organisation.

Most students also do not attend classes regularly and the main reason behind this is that they do not get free textbooks, the study said.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=119213

Japan MP wants CHT land issue resolved

Dhaka, Dec 21 (bdnews24.com)--The government should give priority to resolving land disputes to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord, Japanese parliamentarian Naoto Sakaguchi says.

"First priority is definitely the land issue since its related to human rights and important for the co-existence of settlers and indigenous people," he told the media on Monday while briefing on his three-day visit to the CHT.

Sakaguchi, member of the foreign affairs committee of Japan's House of Representatives, is in Bangladesh to have a first-hand assessment of the situation in the hills region. >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=149321&cid=2

Land commission for indigenous people soon

tate Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukder yesterday said the government has taken steps to form a separate land commission for resolving land dispute for indigenous people of plain land of the country.

He was addressing a roundtable on 'ILO Convention 169: Indigenous people and Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad' in a city hotel. >more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/21/news0221.htm

Australian scholarships for 45 Bangladesh students

The Australian Government announced 45 new scholarships for Bangladesh students to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia at a ceremony in Dhaka on 14 December.

The scholarships were awarded to Bangladeshis from diverse backgrounds, including civil servants, development workers, academics, and researchers. Ten scholarship recipients were from the Chittagong Hill Tracts area, reflecting Australia's commitment to improving education qualification standards in that region.>more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/20/news0177.htm

REFUGEES WITHIN, REFUGEES WITHOUT

On 15 August 1947, the Indian tricolour went up a flagpost in Rangamati, the main town in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Chakma leaders had believed during the tortuous negotiations leading up to Partition that, given the religious composition of the largely Buddhist CHT, their district would be parcelled out to India.>more> http://anaryadravidvangaindigenous.blogspot.com/2009/12/refugees-within-refugees-without.html

Solar panels light up remote CHT

Electricity generated from solar panels in remote parts of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is helping indigenous communities to involve themselves in new income-generating activities.

Traditional income sources of the hill people are fishing, jhum cultivation and selling daily labour. But they are now rearing goats and cows, weaving clothes and making bamboo baskets in the extra hours into the night thanks to power generated by solar panels.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=118213

Hilltribes learn about Christmas

BANDARBAN: Tribal people of different religions have turned up in the hundreds for a special Advent program organized for them at a Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) parish.

"I'm amazed to see many tribal communities coming together to celebrate a single religious festival," said Kya Shoi Hla Marma, chairman of the Bandarban District Council.>more> http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/14143-1-2-Hilltribes-learn-about-Christmas

Women continue to be oppressed in Bangladesh

The Hague, Netherlands, December 15 — Many women in Bangladesh suffer from rape, gang rape, murder, torture and acid throwing. The position of women in Bangladesh is vulnerable. Even though Bangladesh has an elected government, the difficulties facing women haven't ended. Violence against women is a common feature in Bangladesh, and women face various problems under the system of repression.>more> http://www.upiasia.com/Blogosphere/JahangirAlamAkash/20091215/women_continue_to_be_oppressed_in_bangladesh/

A Chakma in Pakistan

He is virtually unknown to the present generation of Pakistanis, and a fading memory for those old enough to know. But in the aftermath of 1971, when Bangladesh came into existence, Raja Tridiv Roy was quite the toast of Pakistan.

Then the titular chief of the Chittagong Hill Tract Chakmas, Mr. Roy was just one of two East Pakistan parliamentarians — Noor-ul-Amin was the other — to reject the new country, and throw in their lot with West Pakistan.>more> http://beta.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article65744.ece

Survival celebrates 40 years of success in campaign for tribal peoples’ rights

1997: The Bangladeshi government signed a Peace Accord with the Jumma
tribes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, committing the government to removing
military camps from the area and ending violence and theft of the Jummas'
land. ....>more> http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/5360

Increasing freshwater fish production

Apart from the former project director, four syndicates are controlling the fate of the project. It is said that these syndicates in collusion with some officials of the department of fisheries dictate the sales of fish fries. The chairman of the Chittagong Hatchery Owners' Association and a researcher of Halda project have been threatened with murder by syndicate members for protesting against their misdeeds.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=117720

Does BNP council raise any hope for the nation?

The leader of the opposition Begum Khaleda Zia asked the government to work to implement its elections manifesto ' we will extend constructive cooperation. "Let the opposition talk for the people and stay away from brining false allegations against it. Discuss any issues related to people and the country in parliament before making any decision. We will help make parliament effective."

She also said the government's ' go alone' policy on holding trial of the killing of army officers , demarcation of maritime boundary, Tipaimukhi Dam issue, Asian Highway and withdrawal of army camps from Chittagong Hill Tracts has aroused suspicion among the people of about its sincerity.>more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/15/news0823.htm

Police recruitment falls short, next year target soars

"However, there will also be a separate budget for the newly appointed ranks."

Nur said senior posts long lying vacant will be filled through promotions.

He also said a battalion of 1,000 police troops withdrawn from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as part of the peace process, will be relocated throughout the country.
>more details> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=148846&cid=2

Kosovo: Muslims Torch Churches , Hate Christ

East Timor remained largely unreported throughout the 80’s and most of the 90’s. A Christian land ravaged by Muslims – nobody cared. Untold crimes have been committed in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh against the Chakmas, and yet how often is the conflict reported? – never!,“ a believer noted in despair.>more> http://balkaninfo.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/kosovo-muslims-torch-churches-hate-christ/

Genocide: 20 Million Bangladeshi Hindus are Missing

Hindus comprised nearly 30% of the total population in Bangladesh in 1947. After the exodus of minorities following the partition of India in 1947, the hindu population went down to about 22% by 1951. Due to unabated persecution, intimidation, and forcible conversion to Islam, the Hindu-Minority population kept on dwindling and now stands at a meager 10.5% of the total population in Bangladesh (1991 census).

Interesting to note that minority Muslim population in adjoining West Bengal (India) showed a positive growth rate and according to 1991 Census, stood at nearly 24% of the total population from only about 12% in 1947.>more> http://www.bangladeshihindu.com/genocide-20-million-bangladeshi-hindus-are-missing/

More Fun On the Road

The British Government advice for travel in Bangladesh says that you should avoid travelling on the roads at night, and that you should not travel into the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Tuesday night saw us driving through the Chittagong Hill Tracts on twisty turny roads eventually ending up at the hotel where we were due to be staying well after everyone had gone to bed. Paul, who was travelling with us, called the hotel’s office in Dhaka, got the number for the place we were staying and eventually managed to wake up a porter who let us in.>more> http://www.kouya.net/?p=2469

BNP chief lays out 19-pt programme

Khaleda said the government’s “go alone” policy on holding trial of the killing of army officers, demarcation of maritime boundary, Tipaimukh Dam issue, Asian Highway and withdrawal of army camps form Chittagong Hill Tracts has aroused suspicion among the people about its sincerity.

The BNP will protest if the government does anything that goes against the people, she said, adding, “If necessary, we will launch movements and resistance taking people with us.”>more> http://www.sananews.com.pk/english/2009/12/09/bnp-chief-lays-out-19-pt-programme/

Human rights defenders and the situation of human rights in Bangladesh

Islamic militancy in Bangladesh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVsWw6ScBak

Human rights are a golden deer in Bangladesh. Most of the human rights are violated by torture. Torture has been a familiar and widespread problem in Bangladesh. Torture is a common feature in Bangladesh. Now torture has become institutionalized.

In Bangladesh, crimes against humanity have become widespread. Peace, good governance, rule of law, and democracy are nonexistent as in practice in Bangladesh. Almost every day, perpetrators have getting impunity from the state. As a result, there is a constant increase in all kinds of inhumanity. At the same time, sectarianism has increased very rapidly. And our religious minorities are suffering. After ended of two years unnatural emergency we have gotten an elected government. But, the human rights situation hasn’t changed.>more> http://inwent-iij-lab.org/Weblog/2009/12/09/human-rights-defenders-and-the-situation-of-human-rights-in-bangladesh/

Ban UPDF, withdraw army: Shantu Larma

Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma, chairman of the CHT Regional Council, yesterday urged the government to ban anti-peace accord organisation United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), saying that the armed cadres of this group is carrying out terrorist activities in the hills.

He also urged the government to immediately stop 'Operation Uttaran' in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It will not be possible to implement the CHT peace accord unless the UPDF cadres are dealt with firmly and the military is pulled out of CHT, he added.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116986

PM reiterates pledge to safeguard rights

She said her government has established the National Human Rights Commission through passing an act in parliament with all necessary provisions to allow it to function independently.

The Prime Minister informed the UN delegation that the Awami League government during its previous term signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord that restored peace in the region and ensured rights of the hill people.>more> http://www.sananews.com.pk/english/2009/12/07/pm-reiterates-pledge-to-safeguard-rights/

Razu opens AKtel network at Kaptai

Post and Telecommunications Minister Razi Uddin Ahmed Razu on Saturday inaugurated the AKtel mobile phone network at Kaptai upazila under Rangamati hill district by receiving a call from State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukdar.

The minister received the call at his Banani residence in the morning and talked with Talukdar for sometimes.>more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/07/news0161.htm

PM reiterates to safeguard human rights

She said her government has established the National Human Rights Commission through passing an act in parliament with all necessary provisions to allow it to function independently.

The prime minister informed the UN delegation that the Awami League government during its previous term signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord that restored peace in the region and ensured rights of the hill people.>more>

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=20953

Implement CHT peace deal fully to ensure development: Larma

Chairman of CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma yesterday again urged the government to activate the regional and hill district councils for development of the region.

Stressing the need for strengthening the local government institutions, including upazila and union parishads, Larma said devolution of power is a pre-condition for development of the rural areas.

Development works in hill districts are not taking place rightly due to lack of coordination between the institutions, He said while speaking at a workshop on 'Hygiene Practice-Water and Sanitation (Hysawa) Project' funded by Danish government in the conference room of Rangamati Hill District Council.

>more>

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116530

Another land commission for indigenous people mulled

The government is thinking about forming a separate land commission to settle land disputes of indigenous people who do not reside in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque yesterday said the prime minister is considering the land commission.

"Settling their land disputes was an election manifesto of Awami League. To implement it, either a separate land commission will be formed or the CHT Land Commission will be entrusted with additional responsibilities," he said.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116445

The Chittagong Hill Tracts: a case study in the political economy of 'creeping' genocide

The destruction of indigenous, tribal peoples in remote and/or frontier regions of the developing world is often assumed to be the outcome of inexorable, even inevitable forces of progress . People are not so much killed, they become extinct. Terms such as ethnocide, cultural genocide or developmental genocide suggest a distinct form of 'off the map' elimination which implicitly discourages comparison with other acknowledged examples of genocide. By concentrating on a little-known case study, that of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh, this article argues that this sort of categorisation is misplaced. Not only is the destruction or attempted destruction of fourth world peoples central to the pattern of contemporary genocide but, by examining such specific examples, we can more clearly delineate the phenomenon's more general wellsprings and processes. The example of the CHT does have its own peculiar features; not least what has been termed here its 'creeping' nature. In other respects, however, the efforts of a new nation-state to overcome its structural weaknesses by attempting a forcedpace consolidation and settlement of its one, allegedly, unoccupied resource-rich frontier region closely mirrors other state-building, developmental agendas which have been confronted with communal resistance. The ensuing crisis of state-communal relations, however, cannot be viewed in national isolation. Bangladesh's drive to develop the CHT has not only been funded by Western finance and aid but is closely linked to its efforts to integrate itself rapidly into a Western dominated and regulated international system. It is in these efforts 'to realise what is actually unrealisable' that the relationship between a flawed state power and genocide can be located. >more> http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a713700879

Primates of Bangladesh: A preliminary survey of population and habitat

The distribution and abundance of non-human primates in Bangladesh is presented. Roadside and forest surveys were conducted throughou the alluvial floodplains and hill regions of Sylhet, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar. In forests, walking and vehicle transects were used to census primates. The ecology and status of major habitat types are discussed. Forest primate populations are evaluated according to habitat classification. I estimate a minimum of 140, 000 non-human primates in Bangladesh. Factors contributing to this low population are discussed.>more> http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V5X-48XKDCH-1N0&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=726a8aecfdb99db11d00770ba43a2a32

BANGLADESH: COUNTRY CELEBRATES 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF LANDMARK PEACE DEAL

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Dec 2 (NNN-BSS) — The country today celebrated the 12th anniversary of a landmark peace accord that had ended more than two decades of tribal insurgency when an estimated 20,000 people were killed and thousands were forced to take refuge in neighbouring India.

The government, political, social and cultural groups and non-government organizations undertook a series of programme to mark the anniversary as rallies and colourful street marches beating traditional tribal drums featured the celebration in the rugged hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.>more> http://world.brunei.fm/2009/12/02/bangladesh-country-celebrates-12th-anniversary-of-landmark-peace-deal/

Calls renewed for CHT roadmap; muted warnings

Rangamati Dec 2 (bdnews24.com)—Calls were renewed for a detailed roadmap to execute all provisions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, with muted warnings against further delay, as the 12th anniversary of the signing was observed Wednesday.

Parbatya Chattagram Jana Shanghati Samity, marking the anniversary in the hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban, called upon supporters of the accord to unite in a "tougher movement" for its full implementation. >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=148120&cid=2

Govt to fully implement CHT accord

The government is eager to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed has said.

On December 2, 1997, the previous Awami League government led by the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina signed the peace accord with Parbatya Chattagram Jano Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS) leader Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also known as Santu Larma, ending an over two-decade-old insurgency.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116056

Mutiny charges read out to 9

On the second day of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny trial, the prosecution yesterday produced all nine accused soldiers of the 12th Rifles Battalion of Rangamati sector before the three-member special court headed by the BDR director general.

The proceedings began at 9:30am in a makeshift courtroom in the mechanical transport shed of the Rangamati sector headquarters of the paramilitary force.

Former commander of the 12th battalion, Lt Col Md Habibul Karim, on behalf of the prosecution, read out the complaints against the nine alleged mutineers who were standing in the dock.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=115591

Bangladesh celebrates 12th anniversary of peace deal for hills

Bangladesh on Wednesday celebrated the 12th anniversary of a landmark peace deal that ended more than two decades of tribal insurgency which claimed around 20,000 lives and forced thousands of people to take refuge in neighbouring India.

The government, political, social and cultural groups undertook a series of programmes to mark the anniversary as rallies and colourful street marches beating traditional tribal drums featured the celebration in the rugged hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.>more> http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Bangladesh-celebrates-12th-anniversary-of-peace-deal-for-hills/548989

Hopes high to finish the remaining task

Political as well as civil society leaders of indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have demanded a specific roadmap from the government for full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.

Resenting 'non-implementation' of the peace agreement in the past decade, they also expressed dissatisfaction about slow pace of implementation of the peace pact during the current Awami League-led grand alliance government.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=115970

12 years after CHT accord, 'still no roadmap'

Rangamati, Dec 1(bdnews24.com) — Twelve years on from the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, to end decades of insurgency and bring stability to the troubled region, indigenous communities are still calling for a roadmap to its full implementation.

"The fundamental issues of the agreement are yet to be implemented," Santu Larma, chairman of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Shanghati Samity (PCJSS), said Tuesday. >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=148048&cid=2

Govt on right track of accord implementation

The government has so far been on the right track in implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, but the pace of its implementation has to be stepped up, said Workers Party of Bangladesh chief Rashed Khan Menon.

Menon, who was a member of the parliamentary committee on CHT in the fifth parliament, however expressed the hope the incumbent government will fully implement the agreement within its tenure as it is moving to that end. >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116046

Peace lies in roadmap

Twelve years into signing a peace agreement that ended over two decades of armed struggle by the indigenous people of Chittagong Hill Tracts, the hills people are still dissatisfied over non-implementation of some vital provisions.

After Awami League came to power this year, it immediately took a number of steps to implement the peace accord it had inked to end the conflict with the ethnic people that had started in the 1960s when Kaptai Dam had been built inundating thousands of acres of land of the indigenous communities. >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=116039

CHT Peace Accord Anniversary to be observed tomorrow

Political as well as civil societies and indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) will observe the 12th anniversary of the peace accord on Wednesday, signed on the day 12 years ago.
To mark the day, CHT Regional Council Chairman and Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) chief Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma attended a press briefing at his Rangamati office on Tuesday, reports our Rangamati correspondent. >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=20868

Underreported Struggles

Only the Bangladesh government can resolve the conflict and bring peace tothe Chittagong Hill Tracts. Neither UN bodies nor the indigenous peoplescan achieve this on their own. Positive change is possible if we continueto express our >more> http://intercontinentalcry.org/underreported-struggles-32-november-2009

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF THE MURONG TRIBE INHABITING THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS REGION OF BANGLADESH

Abstract
The Murongs are a tribal community inhabiting the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. They rely on their own traditional healers, who are experts in medicinal plants for cure of various ailments. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out amongst the Murong tribe to identify their medicinal plants. Interviews of traditional healers were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire as to plant or plant parts used as well as medicinal preparation, diseases, dosage, and side-effects, if any. Plants identified by Murong healers were photographed and herbarium specimens were sent to Bangladesh National Herbarium for complete identification. A total of 50 plants were collected out of which 45 plants belonged to 34 families and five plants remain unidentified. The various ailments claimed to be cured by plant or plant parts include body, joint and rheumatic pains, coughs, colds, tonsillitis, bronchitis, sore throat, fevers, vomiting, tooth problem, edema, abscesses, ear infections, wounds, poisonous insect bites, bone fractures, acidity, diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, cholera, tetanus, intestinal worms, headache, conjunctivitis, urinary tract disorders, leucorrhea, ringworms, eczema, scabies, fungal infections, gonorrhea, impotency, hepatic disorders, malaria, insanity, and diabetes. Our preliminary data suggest that a number of medicinal plants of the Murong are unique and needs to be scientifically studied for isolation of pharmacologically active constituents or lead compounds. >more> http://journals.sfu.ca/africanem/index.php/ajtcam/article/viewArticle/890

Causes on Facebook: Support the Jummas of Chittagong Hill Tracts

By Tandra Chakma

The majority of Bangladesh’s 143.3 million people are Bengalis, and approximately 2.5 million are Indigenous Peoples belonging to 45 different ethnic groups. These peoples are concentrated in the north, and in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in the south-east of the country. In the CHT, the Indigenous Peoples are commonly known as Jummas for their common practice of swidden cultivation (crop rotation agriculture) locally known as jum. > more> http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2965771771803317542

B A N G L A D E S H :PLANNED ETHNOCIDE OF MINORITY NATIONALITIES IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

Bangladesh Peoples Democratic Movement (UK)The Chittagong Hill Tracts is situated between 21deg.
25' and 23deg.
north latitude and between 90deg.
45' east longitude.
It has a total land area of 5093 square miles, primarily hilly region, comprising one-tenth of Bangladesh.
The district is bound on the west by Chittagong district; on the south by Burma and on the east by the Arakan Hill Tracts of Burma and the Lushai Hill on north by Tripura State of India. >more> http://rxusmle.com/forums/Residency-and-Match/Hello_Doctor_Human_Happening_PLANNED_ETHNOCIDE_MINORITY_NATIONALITIES_CHITTAGONG_TRACTS_/10/464928

Indigenous practice fights food crisis in CHT

A traditional indigenous practice is being taken up by different communities to fight a food crisis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Continued here:Indigenous practice fights food crisis in CHT
Popularity: 1%>more> http://www.asianews.com.pk/2009/11/indigenous-practice-fights-food-crisis-in-cht/

Free eye service restores poor people's vision

BANDARBAN, Bangladesh : A free medical service held in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) recently has restored sight to some blind and partially sighted people.>more> http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/13980-1-2-Free-eye-service-restores-poor-people-'s-vision

BANGLADESH Free eye service restores poor people's vision

Aung Kyow Ma Marma, 75, was one of the many poor people who benefited from the free "eye camp," jointly organized by Caritas Bangladesh and the Bangladesh National Society for the Blind (BNSB). BNSB is a volunteer organization that provides free eye treatment for the poor.>more> http://www.ucanews.com/2009/11/27/free-eye-service-restores-poor-peoples-vision/

Presence of army in CHT is 'acceptable'

Financial Express Bangladesh - dhaka,BangladeshSpeakers at a roundtable in the city Thursday expressed the view that thepresence of the Army in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is acceptable but the >more> http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=85517

An obligation and commitment of a nation of conscious

Bangladesh has always been an abode for scores of ethnic groups from time immemorial. Besides the Bengali majority people, there are 45 ethnic groups with approximately 2.5 millions (according to the Bangladesh Adivasi Forum) living side by side in this country. With a marked concentration of 11 ethnic groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the rest of the 33 ethnic groups live on plain lands scattered throughout the country. The existence of numerous ethnic groups has enriched the human geography of the region that exhibits cultural and social diversity.>more> http://www.weeklyblitz.net/index.php?id=1125

Dhaka begins mutiny trial of border guards

Thaindian.com - Bangkok,Bangkok,ThailandThe trial resumed on the second day at a makeshift courtroom at Rangamatiin the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Star Online reported. The BDR chief, MajorGeneral >more> http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/dhaka-begins-mutiny-trial-of-border-guards_100279709.htm

A short river stop back in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

At some point in the late afternoon during our boat ride up the Karnaphuli River, the captain decided we should stop and turn back even though we hadn’t quite reached Kaptai Lake. Before we began our long journey back to Chittagong however we enjoyed a short break on land in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I’m not sure where we stopped or if it had a name – it wasn’t really a village so much as a roadside restaurant and lookout – but I did have my GPS recorder on for the whole journey.>more> http://blog.danbretl.com/travel/2009/11/22/karnaphuli-river-stopover/

Road blockade on in Rangamati

Indigenous women of Ghilachhari Union under Naniarchar upazila continued Rangamati-Khagrachhari road blockade programme for the third day yesterday.

They enforced the indefinite road blockade on Tuesday demanding arrest and punishment of a security man who allegedly made an attempt to rape an indigenous woman at Krinshnamachhara of the upazila on November 8.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=114812

Sheikh Hasina chosen for Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

New Delhi Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been chosen for the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development this year for her "outstanding contribution to thepromotion of democracy and pluralism".>more> http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Sheikh-Hasina-chosen-for-Indira-Gandhi-Peace-Prize/543734/

Second Chittagong Hill Tracts Rural Development Project in Bangladesh

ecome a Devex Member to access more information on over 60,000 project and procurement opportunities from 140+ donors such as World Bank, DFID, USAID – all in one place on devex.com. Benefits of Devex Membership include:>more> http://www.devex.com/projects/second-chittagong-hill-tracts-rural-development-project-in-bangladesh

Govt takes up projects to protect ethnic languages

Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday said the government has taken up various projects to protect languages of indigenous people.

He sought cooperation from the ethnic minorities and others concerned to make these programmes a success. >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=114414

Indo–Bangladesh Relation in New Horizon

Bangladesh and India, two major nations of SAARC have several unresolved irritants which soured the relation for several years. But if we think of 1971 when occupation Pakistan Army carried out cold blooded Genocide in Bangladesh it was India which stood by our side. It sheltered 10 millions of Bangladesh refugees, trained and provided arms and ammunitions to Bangladeshi liberation fighters and even fought alongside of Bangladesh liberation >more>http://www.energybangla.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=SomethingtoSay&article=2269

100000 Global Voices For Peace In The Chittagong Hill Tracts

A joint campaign of the CHT Jumma People's Network of the Asia Pacific (JUMNAPA, Australia), the Indigenous Jumma People's Network USA (IJPNUSA), the Organizing Committee CHT Campaign (OCCHTC, Holland), and Jumma Net (Japan) has been initiated and calling for full implementation of the CHT Accord on the basis of a time-bound plan: "100,000 Global Voices for Peace in the CHT" Campaign website: http://www.cht-global-voices.com > more> http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2767:100000-global-voices-for-peace-in-the-chittagong-hill-tracts&catid=73:conferences-a-workshops&Itemid=101&lang=en

Chittagong Hill Tracts: Demand to Fully Implement Accord

RANGAMATI, Bangladesh -- The leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and its front organisations have reiterated their demand for full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord and withdrawal of all the remaining temporary army camps from the region. >more> http://www.galdu.org/web/?odas=4143&giella1=eng

Chittagong Hill Tracts: Demand to Fully Implement Accord

The leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and its front organisations have reiterated their demand for full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord and withdrawal of all the remaining temporary army camps from the region.>more> http://www.unpo.org/content/view/10325/102/

Implement CHT accord fully, demands PCJSS

The leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and its front organisations have reiterated their demand for full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord and withdrawal of all the remaining temporary army camps from the region.
On the 26th death anniversary of PCJSS founder president Manabendra Narayan Larma (MN Larma), PCJSS organised a memorial meeting at Shilpakala Academy in Rangamati town, reports our correspondent.>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=113589

Gun running by politicos

This helps create room for large-scale infiltration of illegal arms into the country. The withdrawal of army garrisons from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to observe the treaty with the hill people, reportedly also has created similar opportunities for arms trafficking in that region. Besides, indigenous arms making factories are believed to have remained undetected. Thus, the supply of unauthorised weapons has become greater and easier than at other times in the past. >more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/11/08/news0942.htm

on withdrawal of troops from cht

The underlying cause of tension in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is the reality of continuing discrimination faced by the region’s indigenous peoples in terms of the ongoing land encroachment and eviction, often in the name of development (eco-parks, plantations, construction of infrastructure), discrimination in access to justice and protection of the law.>more> http://unheardvoice.net/blog/2009/11/07/on-withdrawal-of-troops-from-cht/