Headmen's Conference Ends
Full execution of CHT peace deal demanded
The headmen (traditional community leaders) of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region have urged full implementation of the CHT peace accord for resolution of land dispute and establishing lasting peace in hills.
The made the call at the closing session of the two-day 'headmen's conference' at the auditorium of Small Ethnic Cultural Institute in Rangamati town yesterday.
Rangamati Headmen Association organised the conference with the cooperation of UNDP to upgrade professional standard of the traditional community leaders.
Speakers at the conference said land dispute in CHT is getting complicated day by day as different government authorities, bypassing the traditional leaders, have continued leasing land in hills and many jumma families are being evicted from their ancestral land due to this.
They demanded involving the headmen in all development activities for better output.
They also demanded removal of Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury from the post of the chairman of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission and passing the bill for amendment of the commission in parliament within the shortest possible time for the interest of hill people.
"We are optimistic that the government will take step for amendment of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Committee act for its better functioning," Chakma Raja Devashsis Roy said in his speech as the chief guest at the function.
Ushatan Talukder, member of CHT Regional Council, Dr Mustafizur Rahman, ADC (Rev), and Shaktipada Tripura, president of Khagrachhari Headmen Association, were special guests at the function with Sujit Dewan, senior vice president of Rangamati Headmen Association, in the chair.
The headmen thanked the prime minister for increasing their monthly allowance. Now the circle chief will get Tk 10 thousand from existing 5 thousand, the headmen Tk 1 thousand from 300 and the kabaries Tk 500 from existing 300.
Around 200 headmen from Chakma, Bomang and Moung Circles from three hill districts participated in the two-day-long conference that ended yesterday.
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