At the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Md Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.
The commitment was reiterated on Monday (April 21), according to an official statement received here today (April 24). The 24th session of UNPFII was held from 21 April to 2 May 2025 in New York.
In his statement, Secretary Khaleque highlighted the progress made in implementing the Accord and elaborated on the existing land management system in the CHT region, which largely adheres to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation, 1900. He underscored the Government's continued efforts in allocating financial resources to promote infrastructure development and to advance key sectors such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, and sports in the CHT.
The Secretary also emphasised Bangladesh's constitutional commitment to safeguarding the unique culture, heritage, and traditions of ethnic communities across the country.
During the thematic dialogue on 'Financing of Indigenous Peoples' Work and Participation Across the Multilateral and Regional System,' the Bangladesh delegation acknowledged the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes that affect them. At the same time, the delegation stressed the need to uphold established UN protocols and procedures in these engagements.
The Bangladesh delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Land, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of ethnic communities from both the CHT and the plains.
