A column published by Amar Desh on August 9, 2026 argues that Bangladesh should treat the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a major sovereignty, border-security and geopolitical issue. Author A H M Faruk says the area’s challenges should not be viewed solely as local law-and-order problems or ethnic discontent. He calls for a coordinated approach linking political, historical, social, security and international dimensions, arguing that state policy has remained reactive and fragmented.

The article reviews colonial-era administrative arrangements, displacement linked to the Kaptai dam, post-independence armed conflict and disputes surrounding the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord. It says the accord created opportunities for a ceasefire, refugee returns and regional institutions, while leaving questions over representation, land, administration and constitutional compatibility. The author argues that the rights, cultural dignity and security of both hill communities and Bengali residents require a lawful balance.

Faruk cites allegations against armed groups involving extortion, killings, abductions and illegal weapons, while stressing that criminal responsibility should not be assigned to the entire hill population. He proposes a national strategy council under the head of government, alongside border management, transparent land-dispute resolution, evidence-based diplomacy and political dialogue.