Chittagong Hill Tracts
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bengali: পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম, Parbotto Choŧŧogram), often shortened to simply the Hill Tracts and abbreviated to CHT, is a group of districts within the Chittagong Division in southeastern Bangladesh, bordering India and Myanmar (Burma). Covering 13,295 square kilometres (5,133 sq mi), they formed a single district until 1984, when they were divided into three districts: Khagrachari District, Rangamati Hill District, and Bandarban District. Topographically, the Hill Tracts are the only extensively hilly area in Bangladesh. It was historically settled by many tribal refugees from Burma Arakan in 16th century and now it is settled by the Jumma people. Today, it remains one of the most heavily militarized regions of the world, and one of the least developed parts of Bangladesh.
Quotes
[edit]- The story of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is one of the most tragic episodes in recent history. Once inhabited by tribals, this beautiful land has been substantially captured by the Muslims. Between 1979 and 1984 the Government settled about 4 lakh Muslims in the CHT area. [... it] led to clashes and protracted armed resistance by the major tribal group - the Chakmas. In this explosive situation, the regime sought a military solution and thousands of refugees crossed over to India. In 1974, there were 5.08 lakh people in the CHT area. .... The threats to the ethnic identity and culture as well as their land were evident.
- Report of the General Secretaries in the North-Eastern States of the Congress (I). 1992. Also in Appendix II and pp. 243 ff. in in Shourie, Arun (1993). A secular agenda: For saving our country, for welding it. New Delhi, India: Rupa
