Santu finds lack of goodwill behind \\\'non-implementation\\\' of CHT deal

President of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu) said Thursday the CHT Peace Accord has not been implemented over the last 17 years because of bureaucratic complexity and lack of goodwill of military and civil officials, reports UNB.

He came up with the remark at a discussion, 'Strengthening Special Governance of Administrative Institutions according to CHT Accord', held at the city's Daily Star Building.

Bangladesh Adibasi Forum and Kapaeeng Foundation in collaboration with Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the programme.

Larma said, "The CHT Accord was signed following armed and unarmed conflicts. But after the passing of 17 years, we're thinking of following the same path to implement the accord."

Noting that that there are many obstacles to implementation of the pact, he said if the person who holds the highest authority to rule the country steps forward with courage and urges the people concerned to have fruitful discussions on the matter, it can be implemented.

He said, "The treaty won't see the light if the government takes more time. On top of it, the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts will not stay calm either."

Dhaka University teacher Robayet Ferdous presented the keynote paper at the programme, moderated by Kapaeeng Foundation president Rabindranath Soren.