Recently, the hilly regions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have witnessed a resurgence of armed clashes, blockades, and military activity. The long-term history behind this sudden rise in tension, internal conflicts, military influence, and various facets of international geopolitics are being widely discussed.

1. Sudden Tension in the Hills: History and Recurrence of Present Conflict For a long time, conflicts among various indigenous groups have persisted in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the past, this region witnessed bloody confrontations centered around establishing supremacy among various factions, including the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and later the UPDF. Recently, this tension took a new turn following an attack on a child, leading to repeated gunfights and blockade programs between the opposing sides. According to analysts, this conflict is not merely an isolated incident, but rather an expression of long-unresolved political and social hostility.

2. Historical Context and Demographic Shifts

In the late 1970s, attempts were made to alter the demographic balance and local cultural dynamics by encouraging Bengali settlements in the hill region. Consequently, a long-lasting antagonism developed between the indigenous people and the Bengali settlers. Although the process of surrendering arms began through the historic CHT Peace Accord in 1997, the full implementation of the treaty remains unfulfilled, making it impossible to ensure a permanent atmosphere of peace and trust in the hills.

3. Military Presence and Strategies of Dominance

Various quarters have raised questions regarding the current military activity and the heightened stance of law enforcement forces in the hills. Analysts believe that increased military deployment could lead to a recurrence of the pre-1996 situation, when access for tourists or general citizens was severely restricted. Some circles suspect that maintaining tension in the hills reflects an inclination to preserve a specific military dominance or strategic control.

4. Regional and International Geopolitics: Myanmar Crisis and Global Interests

Deep international geopolitical influences lie behind the current instability in the CHT, beyond mere internal factors. The ongoing violence in areas adjacent to the Myanmar border, various activities surrounding the Arakan Road, and the geopolitical importance of the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions have turned this territory into a focal point for global superpowers. In particular, the strategic interests of major powers like the United States and China, along with rumors of various conspiracies centered around this region, have made the security of the Hill Tracts even more vulnerable.

5. National Politics and the Role of the Government

The current political transition and indifference at higher levels of government have further complicated the situation in the hills. Past resignations regarding the portfolio of CHT Affairs and the lack of clear statements from government policymakers have created doubts among the public. Analysts fear that instability may be deliberately manufactured in the hills as a tactic to divert the country's political narrative or to obstruct upcoming political events—especially the potential homecoming of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

6. Sovereignty and Future Risks

There is no scope to view the ongoing crisis in the CHT merely as a local indigenous-Bengali dispute or an internal feud. It has been identified as a major threat to the overall independence, integrity, and sovereignty of Bangladesh. If specific and far-sighted steps are not taken in a timely manner, regional and international conspiracies in this territory could deepen, posing severe risks to the security of the entire nation.

Conclusion

To restore peace and stability in the hill tracts, applying military force alone is insufficient; rather, there is no alternative to genuine political goodwill, full implementation of the Peace Accord, and maintaining the highest level of vigilance at the state level to counter regional geopolitical conspiracies.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla