A note to Ms. Yasmine Barnett, London

I write this note with pain, in response to the mail written by Ms. Yasmine Barnett, written one month ago. I apologize to her for being late to return to her. I neither opened my blog nor the Gmail account that I use for the blog for the last couple of weeks. 20 days after her mail to me the CHT have turned to a fireplace. Had I saw her mail earlier I would have written a different note for her. I apologize for writing this note stating terrible information. During my absence to the blog I’ve also got mails from a few persons and I assure to return to them when I’m a bit free.


A window of my room at the training academy where currently I'm busy in a certificate course training. I watch the city forest from my window and try to feel the natural wilderness that still can be felt in the CHT.

I have been busy for some commitments- for my study, some training (like Local Capacity for Peace) and trekking to Bagakain (Baga Lake, a natural mountain lake in Ruma Upazila under Bandarban Hill District). And, presently, am extremely busy in doing a certificate course on “Applied Conservation Biology and Co-Management”.


Mountains we crossed during our trekking to Baga Lake (Bagakain).

When we gave our start for trekking.



In response to Ms. Yasmine’s query- “It would be lovely to hear more about yourself, the region you live in, how it has changed in recent times and reconnect with that part of the world.” I write the following:

About me:
I’m still a novice to know on the critical CHT issues and the world as well, and am engaged in learning many issues on the CHT and beyond, to fulfill my hunger for knowledge and my career as well. I don’t have any desire to be involved in politics but I want to be politically conscious. Some years back my dad wanted to know about my vision of life and I told him “Dad, I always want to do something meaningful.” My dad wanted to know what I meant for “something meaningful”. I want to establish me in the society and lead a life what it actually means and support the downtrodden people who are in distress, to make their life beautiful.


Refugee for life, 28 years on, Nirupa Chakma still hopes for a home. Courtesy: The Daily Star, (www.thedailystar.net) Dhaka, published on the 3rd March 2010.

I’m, however, terribly shocked to watching the wave of communal Tsunami that swept over the CHT during last two weeks, for being most insignificant in numbers and the ethnic backgrounds in the Bengali homogeneity. We’re still frightened as the communal twister is still blowing over though the government is vigil. I don’t know how the democratic, non-communal and progressive forces of Bangladesh and beyond including the Bangladesh government could stand by us during our terrible state. Yeah, still I want to dream for a Sonar Bangla, the prosperous Bangladesh which will ensure democratic governance for a discrimination free society and make the country a haven for the minority indigenous peoples. I want to work for peace whether it is in Bangladesh or beyond.


Mohajanpara, one of the oldest village of Khagarachari Hill District headquarters burns in communal fire. This village was under first attack on 23 Feb. Photo courtesy: The Daily Star, Dhaka. Please read the news on its 26th Feb issue.

I add:
The CHT Region is burning with communal fire resulting to the destruction of Jumma (CHT indigenous hill peoples) traditional villages and the CHT Peace Accord is bleeding for peace which have drew the national and global attention including EU, Amnesty International, Survival International, and Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus on the Indigenous Peoples and so on. Media has been committed to cover the CHT. Many Bengali readers of internet editions of newspapers have been registering their comments with great sympathy.


Now this communal tension goes beyond the CHT. Let me give an example. Two of my friends had narrowly escaped from sure death when the bus which left Bandarban town at 9.00 pm on 24th of last month for Dhaka was forcefully stopped at Daudkandi by a few persons with heavy bamboo poles. They asked whether that bus was from Rangamati. They searched Chakma passengers. My friends had been able to deceive them by hiding their faces as if they were sleeping. It was possible as it was mid-night. Moreover, the driver and his support staff told the attackers that the bus was from Bandarban. One of the two friends is a close relative of a powerful sitting MP from the CHT. They were two out of eight of our trekking group to our recent Baga Lake trekking. I departed from them at 4.00pm and they left Bandarban town at 9.00pm. I thank God for saving them.



I request:
I request Ms. Yasmine to subscribe Google Alert with the words: Chittagong Hill Tracts, Jumma, Khagarachari and Baghaihat to get more information on the CHT.


It is me when I was heading toward Bangladesh-India-Myanmar tri-junction in last November.

I call upon:
I call upon Ms. Yasmine Barnett to stand by the side of the Baghaihat and Khagarachari victims, especially the women and children who are homeless and suffering from daily essentials, including utensils, medicines, mosquito nets, and etc. the way she can.

UN report paints grim picture of conditions of world’s indigenous peoples

Courtesy:


http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33484&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=









Indigenous boomerangs in the forest of Australia

14 January 2010 – The world’s 370 million indigenous peoples suffer from disproportionately, often exponentially, higher rates of poverty, health problems, crime and human rights abuses, the first ever United Nations study on the issue reported today, stressing that self-determination and land rights are vital for their survival.

Startling figures contained in The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples include:

In the United States, a Native American is 600 times more likely to contract tuberculosis and 62 per cent more likely to commit suicide than the general population. In Australia, an indigenous child can expect to die 20 years earlier than his non-native compatriot. The life expectancy gap is also 20 years in Nepal, while in Guatemala it is 13 years and in New Zealand it is 11. In parts of Ecuador, indigenous people have 30 times greater risk of throat cancer than the national average. Worldwide, more than 50 per cent of indigenous adults suffer from Type 2 diabetes – a number predicted to rise.

“Every day, indigenous communities all over the world face issues of violence and brutality, continuing assimilation policies, dispossession of land, marginalization, forced removal or relocation, denial of land rights, impacts of large-scale development, abuses by military forces and a host of other abuses,” the report’s authors said in a news release.

Although indigenous peoples make up only 5 per cent of the global population, they constitute around one third of the world’s 900 million extremely poor rural people. In both developed and developing countries, poor nutrition, limited access to care, lack of resources crucial to maintaining health and well-being and contamination of natural resources are all contributing factors to the terrible state of indigenous health worldwide.

At the report’s launch at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Chairperson Vicki Tauli-Corpuz said its value would be far-reaching because it comprises for the first time very clearly aggregated data.

“We believe this is going to be crucial for Governments and for the UN to address more seriously and comprehensively the issues of indigenous people,” she told a news briefing. “It’s very daring and bold in a sense because it does identify countries and the situation of indigenous peoples in various countries both in the developed world as well as in the developing world.”

Indigenous peoples experience disproportionately high levels of maternal and infant mortality, malnutrition, cardiovascular illnesses, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis (TB), while suicide rates, particularly among youth, are considerably higher in many countries, for example up to 11 times the national average for the Inuit in Canada. The Inuit TB rate is over 150 times higher.

The study repeatedly identifies displacement from lands, territories and resources as one of the most significant threats for indigenous peoples, citing many examples, including in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hawaii, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Colombia.

“When indigenous peoples have reacted and tried to assert their rights, they have suffered physical abuse, imprisonment, torture and even death,” it says, stressing that their rights to their own lands and territories must be respected while they need to develop their own definitions and indicators of poverty and well-being.

“Indigenous peoples suffer from the consequences of historic injustice, including colonization, dispossession of their lands, territories and resources, oppression and discrimination, as well as lack of control over their own ways of life. Their right to development has been largely denied by colonial and modern States in the pursuit of economic growth,” it adds, warning that the importance of land and territories to indigenous cultural identity cannot be stressed enough.

Of the world’s 6,000 to 7,000 languages, a great majority are spoken by indigenous peoples, and many, if not most, are in danger of becoming extinct, with some 90 per cent possibly doomed within the next 100 years. About 97 per cent of the world’s population currently speaks 4 per cent of its languages, while only 3 per cent speaks 96 per cent of them.

Indigenous peoples, who are the stewards of some of the most biologically diverse areas, accumulating an immeasurable amount of traditional knowledge about their ecosystems, also face the dual and somewhat contradictory threats of discrimination and commodification.

They face racism and discrimination that sees them as inferior, yet they are increasingly recognized for their unique relationship with their environment, their traditional knowledge and their spirituality, leading to external efforts to profit from their culture which are frequently out of their control, providing them no benefits, and often a great deal of harm.

Bandarban wears festive look as Rajpunyah starts

Courtesy: The Daily Star, Dhaka
www.thedailystar.net

Friday, January 15, 2010
National






















Bomang Raja Aung Shoi Prue Chowdhury receives tax from subjects as the traditional Rajpunyah festival started at Raj Darbar in Bandarban yesterday. Photo: STAR


Our Correspondent,
Bandarban Traditional Rajpunyah festival began in the district yesterday.

The 15th Raja of Bomang Circle Aung Shoi Prue Chowdhury accepted annual jhum (tax for farming) from his subjects holding mouzas at the Raj Darbar in the morning.

The 'troops' gave the chief of the circle a guard of honour when he along with the invitees entered the darbar from the royal palace.

Local public representatives, foreign guests, administration, police and army officials were present at the function.

A three-day folk fair also kicked off on the occasion. A large number of people joined the fair held on the ground of the royal palace.

Bandarban yesterday wore a festive look with scores of local and foreign tourists visiting the district town to witness Rajpunya.

The British Raj divided the whole area of the CHT into three circles for easing revenue collection and deputed the responsibility of tax collection, land administration management and social arbitration with the circle chiefs called Raja.

Bomang circle was set up with 91 mouzas of Bandarban hill district and 14 mouzas of Rangamati hill district. Besides, Chakma circle was formed in Rangamati and Mong circle in Khhagrachhari.

The royal Bomang family has been celebrating the occasion for generations.

The 9th Bomang king introduced the formal collection of tax in 1875. In last 134 years, the programme has been enriched by incorporating different cultural aspects of the people of different religions and castes living in the area. It has now become one of the biggest annual festivals of the people of the hill districts.

Full text of jt communiqué

Courtesy: www.thedailystar.net























Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite in New Delhi yesterday. Photo: PID

The Daily Star, Dhaka, Published On: 2010-01-13
Metropolitan

Full text of jt communiqué

Following is the full text of the joint communiqué issued on the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India:


1. Reaffirming the shared history, traditional links and the desire of the leaders of the two countries to launch a new phase in their bilateral relations, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina is paying a state visit to India from January 10-13, 2010 at the invitation of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Apart from attending the official programme in New Delhi, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will also visit Ajmer Sharif.

2. The Bangladesh Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 11, 2010. She called on President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

3. Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna, Railway Minister Kumari Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Smt. Sushma Swaraj called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

4. Reflecting the friendly relations existing between the two neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in her capacity as President of the Awami League Party and the Awami League-led Mohajote government also called on Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance. She also met with former Prime Minister Shri. I.K. Gujral. The meetings and exchanges were marked by great warmth and cordiality on both sides.

5. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh paid tribute and respect to the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawarlal Nehru, Smt Indira Gandhi and Shri Rajiv Gandhi at Rajghat, Shantivana, Shaktisthal and Virbhumi respectively.

6. During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conferred the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2009 at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

7. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh had a meeting with the Prime Minister of India on January 11, 2010, which was followed by delegation level talks. The talks were marked by great warmth, deep understanding and a spirit of close friendship between the two sides. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosted a banquet in honour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her accompanying delegation.

8. On the Bangladesh side, assisting the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in the talks were: Mr. Ramesh Chandra Sen, MP, Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Dipu Moni MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Advisers to the Prime Minister Mr. H.T. Imam, Mr. Mashiur Rahman and Mr. Gowher Rizvi; High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Mr. Tariq A. Karim and other senior officials of the Bangladesh Government.

9. On the Indian side, assisting the Prime Minister of India were: Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister; Shri P. Chidambaram, Home Minister; Shri S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister; Kumari Mamata Banerjee, Minister of Railways; Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce; Smt Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs; Shri M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser; Shri T.K.A Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and other senior officials of the Indian Government.

10. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her party's impressive electoral victory in the general elections held in December 2008 and lauded the people of Bangladesh for their abiding faith in democracy, which eventually paved the way for return of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh. Both leaders agreed that the recent elections in both countries presented them with a historic opportunity to write a new chapter in their relationship.

11. The Bangladesh Prime Minister recalled the shared bonds of history, culture and aspirations that bind Bangladesh and India, and paid tribute to the sacred memory of the lives sacrificed for the freedom and independence of the two countries. She called for rededicating efforts to establish a society free from ignorance, fear and want.

12. Both the Prime Ministers agreed on a vision for the future in the pursuit of the common good - bilaterally, regionally and globally. In this context, they reiterated their commitment to work together to solve all issues through cooperation and mutual understanding. They also shared their outlook on the strengthening and reform of multilateral institutions in which developing countries have an effective voice and participation.

13. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Prime Minister of India recognize that peace and stability in the region is necessary for development and well-being of the people of their respective countries. In this context, they emphasized the importance of close cooperation between India and Bangladesh and the need to effectively harness their respective resources for the good of the peoples of the two countries.

14. The two Prime Ministers agreed to put in place a comprehensive framework of cooperation for development between the two countries, encapsulating their mutually shared vision for the future, which would include cooperation in water resources, power, transportation and connectivity, tourism and education. They agreed on the need to operationalize the various areas of cooperation at the earliest.

15. Both Prime Ministers agreed to consider strengthening diplomatic and consular presence in each other's countries.

16. Both Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to democracy, pluralism and rule of law. They expressed satisfaction that the people of both countries have rejected violence, extremism and terrorism and reaffirmed their faith in democracy and development. In this quest, the two leaders resolved to work together to strengthen the forces of democracy and moderation.

17. Both Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They noted that security remained a priority for both countries, as terrorists, insurgents and criminals respect no boundaries. They underscored the need for both countries to actively cooperate on security issues. Both leaders reiterated the assurance that the territory of either would not be allowed for activities inimical to the other and resolved not to allow their respective territory to be used for training, sanctuary and other operations by domestic or foreign terrorist/militant and insurgent organizations and their operatives.

18. Welcoming the Home Secretary level talks held in New Delhi in December 2009, the two Prime Ministers directed their respective Ministries and agencies to cooperate closely and implement all decisions taken during the talks. While recognizing the need to check cross border crimes, both Prime Ministers agreed that the respective border guarding forces exercise restraint and underscored the importance of regular meetings between the border guarding forces to curtail illegal cross border activities and prevent loss of lives.

19. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh thanked the Prime Minister of India for facilitating the provision of electricity in Dahagram-Angarpota and invited India to construct a flyover across Tin Bigha Corridor for exclusive Indian use, as agreed earlier.

20. Both Prime Ministers agreed to comprehensively address all outstanding land boundary issues keeping in view the spirit of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement. In this context, agreed to convene the Joint Boundary Working Group to take this process forward.

21. Both Prime Ministers agreed on the need to amicably demarcate the maritime boundary between India and Bangladesh. They noted the initiation of proceedings under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and, in this context, welcomed the visit of a delegation from Bangladesh to India.

22. It was agreed that Ashuganj in Bangladesh and Silghat in India shall be declared ports of call. The IWTT Protocol shall be amended through exchange of letters. A joint team will assess the improvement of infrastructure and the cost for one-time or longer term transportation of ODCs (Over Dimensional Cargo) from Ashuganj. India will make the necessary investment. Both Governments agreed to expedite implementation. Contractors from both countries shall be eligible for the work.

23. It was agreed that Bangladesh will allow use of Mongla and Chittagong sea ports for movement of goods to and from India through road and rail. Bangladesh also conveyed their intention to give Nepal and Bhutan access to Mongla and Chittagong ports.

24. It was agreed that the construction of the proposed Akhaura Agartala railway link be financed by grant from India. A joint team of the railway authorities of the two countries will identify the alignment for connectivity.

25. They welcomed the starting of “Maitree Express” between Kolkata and Dhaka and called for resumption of road and rail links between the two countries.

26. The Prime Ministers agreed that RohanpurSingabad broad gauge railway link would be available for transit to Nepal. Bangladesh informed of their intention to convert Radhikapur Birol railway line into broad gauge and requested for railway transit link to Bhutan as well.

27. Recognizing the sufferings of the people of both sides in the face of scarcity of lean season flows of the Teesta River, the Prime Ministers expressed that the discussions on the sharing of the Teesta waters between India and Bangladesh should be concluded expeditiously. The two Prime Ministers directed their respective Water Resources Ministers to convene the Ministerial

28. +-level meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission in this quarter of 2010. The Joint Rivers Commission will also discuss issues relating to Feni, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.

29. They also agreed that the following actions be taken:

a. Dredging of Ichhamati; and

b. River protection at Mahananda, Karatoa, Nagar, Kulik, Atrai, Dharla, and Feni

30. The Prime Minister of India agreed to support implementation of strategy of Government of Bangladesh to dredge rivers for flood control, navigation and access to ports. In this context, India agreed to provide, inter alia, dredgers to Bangladesh on an urgent basis. Bangladesh indicated the need for 9 dredgers.

31. The Prime Minister of India reiterated the assurance that India would not take steps on the Tipaimukh project that would adversely impact Bangladesh.

32. The Prime Minister of India agreed to supply to Bangladesh 250 MW electricity from its grid. In this context, both Prime Ministers emphasized the need to expedite inter-grid connectivity. They also agreed that the two countries shall cooperate in development and exchange of electricity, including generation from renewable sources, and may set up joint projects or corporate entities for that purpose.

33. With a view to encouraging imports from Bangladesh, both countries agreed to address removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers and port restrictions and facilitate movement of containerized cargo by rail and water. In this context, Bangladesh welcomed India's initiative to provide duty-free access to SAARC LDCs to the Indian market. Bangladesh also welcomed the reduction of the number of items from India's negative list that were of direct interest to Bangladesh and requested for further reduction in the list.

34. The Prime Minister of India agreed to support the upgradation of the Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute with a view to building capacity on certification.

35. The Prime Ministers agreed that investments, including joint investment and joint ventures, shall be encouraged by both countries. They agreed that the participation of the private sector in both countries will give an added fillip to economic engagement between the two countries.

36. The Prime Ministers agreed to operationalize land customs stations at Sabroom-Ramgarh and Demagiri-Thegamukh including putting in place necessary infrastructure and issue necessary notifications. Further, with respect to existing land custom stations, it was agreed to take measures for strengthening infrastructure.

37. It was agreed that border haats shall be established on a pilot basis at selected areas, including on the Meghalaya border, to allow trade in specified produces and products and in accordance with the regulations agreed and notified by both Governments.

38. It was agreed that trucks for movement from Bhutan and Nepal be allowed to enter about 200 meters into Zero Point at Banglabandh at Banglabandh-Phulbari land customs station. Necessary arrangements shall be mutually agreed and put in place by both countries.

39. The Prime Minister of India announced a line of credit of US$ 1 billion for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BG locomotives and passenger coaches, rehabilitation of Saidpur workshop, procurement of buses including articulate buses and dredging projects.

40. Bangladesh requested for assistance to construct road infrastructure in Dhaka, including flyovers. India agreed to consider this request.

41. Recalling the shared legacy of the great poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the Prime Ministers agreed to oversee the joint celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in 2011 in a manner befitting his vision and spirit.

42. Government of India would offer Bangladesh 300 scholarships annually for a period of five years for study and training in Universities and training institutions in India, covering a wide range of disciplines as may be required by scholars and persons in government employment. The number may be increased through mutual consultation.

43. Both Prime Ministers underscored the role of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation. Both leaders agreed to work together in making SAARC a purposeful organization oriented towards implementation, which can revitalize the region through positive measures, concerted action and mutually reinforcing cooperation.

44. Both leaders welcomed the various steps taken to strengthen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. In this context, Bangladesh requested India to support its aspiration to host the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka. India agreed to give the request due consideration.

45. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the initiatives taken at the Climate Change Summit at Copenhagen in December 2009. They underlined that climate change was one of the most important global challenges. They reaffirmed the provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including that of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and underscored the importance of its full, effective and sustained implementation, giving due consideration to the needs of those which are most vulnerable, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Africa.

46. Both leaders recognized that the eradication of poverty and ensuring food security were great challenges of the century. They agreed that the international community should initiate a fully coordinated response and address these issues in a comprehensive manner, from short to medium and long term. They also recognized the need to give added focus on rural development policies, transfer and diffusion of technology and development, in particular to enhance agricultural productivity.

47. The Prime Ministers underscored the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a strong United Nations, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. In this context, they stressed the urgent need to pursue the reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more representative, credible and effective, particularly with regard to its working method. They also advocated involvement of smaller countries in the reform process.

48. Responding to the Prime Minister of India, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh conveyed her country's support in principle for India's candidature for the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council as and when the reform of the UN Security Council is achieved. Bangladesh conveyed its support to the Indian Candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for the term 2011-2012. India also conveyed its support to the Bangladesh's candidature for a non-permanent seat in UNSC for the term 2016-2017.

49. The two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing in their presence of the following accords:

a. Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters

b. Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

c. Agreement on Combating International Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking

d. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Power Sector

e. Cultural Exchange Programme

The Prime Ministers also expressed the desire that Line of Credit and the comprehensive framework of cooperation for development be operationalized at the earliest.

50. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh thanked the Prime Minister of India and the Indian Government and people for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to her and the members of her delegation during their stay in India.

51. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on behalf of herself, her Government and the people of Bangladesh, extended her warm invitation to the Prime Minister of India and Mrs. Manmohan Singh to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The Prime Minister of India thanked the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and accepted the invitation with great pleasure. The dates for the visit would be decided by mutual consultations through diplomatic channels.

Dhaka, Delhi sign 3 agreements. Hasina-Manmohan talks focus on terrorism, security, connectivity, trade, investment

Courtesy:

Dhaka, Jan 11, 2010, www.thedailystar.net


Visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh wave during a ceremonial reception accorded to her at the Rashtrapati Bhaban in New Delhi yesterday.Photo: PID

Our Correspondent, New Delhi

Bangladesh and India yesterday signed four deals on exchange of electricity, and fight against terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking, capping two-hour talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.

Hasina and Singh, leading their countries at the delegation-level talks at the Hyderabad House from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, had a detailed discussion covering the entire gamut of bilateral issues with particular focus on terrorism, security, connectivity, trade and investment, border concerns and sharing of water and power resources.

Hasina, whose four-day state visit began yesterday, met Indian President Pratibha Patil, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj before the talks with Singh.

The two sides inked a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in power sector for import and export of electricity to the tune of over 900 million units per annum, depending on availability, need and price.

Under the deal, the Power Development Board will buy electricity from India at a price to be agreed upon by the two parties, said official sources.

The other three agreements signed are Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The one on transfer of sentenced persons would allow those convicted of criminal offences to serve their sentences in their own country if they want.

Someone sentenced to death however would not get this opportunity.

The draft agreement mentions that if such deals existed with a third country, Bangladesh and India would provide transit The agreements inked are titled Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The one on transfer of convicted persons would allow those convicted of criminal offences to serve their sentences in their own country if they want.
Anyone condemned to death however will not get this opportunity.

If similar agreement existed with a third country, Bangladesh and India will provide transit facility for extradition of sentenced persons, said officials.

The agreement on combating international terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking is the bilateral implementation of a protocol under Saarc.

It says if terrorist activities are perpetrated in and against India and Bangladesh, the two countries can exchange intelligence and general information.

The MoU on power was signed for import and export of electricity to the tune of over 900 million units per annum, depending on availability, need and price.

Under this, the Power Development Board will buy electricity from India at a price to be agreed upon by the two parties, said official sources.

The neighbours also signed an MoU on cultural exchange under which they would jointly celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

This apart, Hasina and Singh discussed issues relating to the 6.1-km undermarcated stretch of the 4,096-km border, “enclaves” and “adverse possessions” (pockets in each country where nationals of the other one are residing).

MANMOHAN'S SPEECH
Later, the Indian prime minister hosted a banquet in honour of Hasina.
In his speech, he warmly praised his Bangladesh counterpart, saying her life is an inspiration to those who cherish freedom and independence.

He said, "We admire your courage and conviction and your unwavering belief in the principles you uphold, for which you have personally sacrificed so much."

Assuring Hasina that relations with Bangladesh were the "highest priority" for his country, he said there was very little that divided the two nations and much that united them.

Bangladesh has strong democratic and cultural traditions and led the way in South Asia in important areas of human development.

"We meet today as two vibrant and equal democracies that share common values and common goals,” he continued.

"The links between us extend to every aspect of human life, be it social, economic, cultural, intellectual or political."

He said, “India stands ready to be a full and equal partner in the realisation of your vision of social change and economic development for Bangladesh.

"India seeks to build a new future with Bangladesh. The time has come to chart a new path. We are ready to pursue a bold vision for our relations, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

"Our two peoples want peace, security and prosperity. We should move forward to achieve these common goals for ourselves and for all the people of South Asia.”
Manmohan hoped Hasina's visit would "open a new chapter in India-Bangladesh relations.

“We have finalised several initiatives to build a true partnership of friendship and cooperation.

"We have agreed on the importance of showing sensitivity to each other's concerns. We have agreed to cooperate in meeting the common challenges of climate change, and assuring food, water and energy security to our peoples.”

The Indian prime minister observed that the countries are fortunate to have produced some of the finest writers, scholars and artists. “The works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have inspired generations of people. This is a unique asset which binds our people, and which we must preserve.”

Referring to Hasina's visit, he said India was delighted that the first state visit of the new year was by a “valued friend and close neighbour”.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladeshi prime minister who began her official visit here Sunday, met Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.

CHT Commission's memo to the PM on tourism dev in the CHT

Courtesy:

http://sacw.net


6 January 2010

To

Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh
Prime Minister’s Office
Tejgaon, Dhaka

Subject: Decision to develop tourism in CHT not in conformity with 1997 Peace Accord

Honourable Prime Minister,

The CHT Commission (“CHTC”) congratulates the Awami League-led government on completing a year in office. At our last meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 17, 2009, members of the Commission were heartened when she reasserted her personal commitment to overseeing the implementation of the CHT Accord in the span of her government’s current five-year tenure of office.

We have learned, however, that the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) of the Planning Ministry decided, on 23 December 2009, to develop tourism in the CHT region, contrary to the CHT Accord since the Hill District Council (HDC) was not present and had not been consulted. The PSC met, irregularly, under the CHT Development Board in Rangamati with Committee Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed in the chair. To facilitate tourism, the PSC also resolved to build a road along the bank of the Kaptai Lake and to set up various recreational facilities as part of this project. The road would be connected with Bandarban, Khagrachari and Chittagong district.

There have also been reports in the media that the upazila administration in Bandarban is illegally grabbing land belonging to Marma and Bawm communities in the name of tourism development centres (“Allegations of tourism development on Adibashi land in Bandarban” — Daily Prothom Alo, 24 December 2009; “Adibashis aggrieved at the building of ‘Shorgochura’ tourism centre in Bandarban municipal area” — Daily Purbokon, 3 January 2010). 40 acres of land have allegedly been marked off with red flags by surveyors to build the tourist spots.

Section 34 in B (kha) of the CHT Accord (CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL/ HILL DISTRICT COUNCIL) provides that ‘Local Tourism’ will ‘be added in the functions and responsibilities of the Hill District Council’. These current acts are therefore in direct violation of the Peace Accord as the HDCs have not been involved in either the planning or the implementation of these projects.

The CHTC is also not aware of any studies that have been carried out to assess the environmental impact of the proposed growth of tourism industry in the CHT. We respectfully suggest that expert consultants be invited to assess the sustainability and potential impact of large-scale tourism on land and water resources. The potential for tourism needs to be linked to other developments in the region in a single comprehensive plan, in the formulation of which democratically elected HDCs should be fully involved.

Madam Prime Minister, the Government of Bangladesh, under your leadership, took a key role at the Copenhagen Climate Change talks. As was discussed at those talks, the world has seen untold environmental damage due to unplanned industrialization and development. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change and related environmental damage. Preserving the extremely fragile and precious environment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is therefore a priority.

The Commission thus urges Honourable Prime Minister to take the necessary steps to rescind the decision by the Planning Ministry to develop tourism centres in Chittagong Hill Tracts without —

a) consulting the Hill District Council

b) independently assessing the environmental impact

c) taking steps to make sure any new developments are not harmful to the environment

d) preventing further illegal land grabbing from indigenous communities in the name of development.

The CHT Commission strongly believes that implementation of the CHT Accord is a must for strengthening democratic good governance, ensuring a people-oriented and environmentally-friendly development and rule of law in CHT. The government should immediately declare a roadmap to fully implement the CHT Accord within its present tenure.

On behalf of the CHT Commission

Eric Avebury (Co-chair of the CHT Commission)

Sultana Kamal (Co-chair of the CHT Commission)

Ida Nicolaisen (Co-chair of the CHT Commission)

cc to:

1. Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Honorable Deputy Leader of the House & Chairperson of the National Committee for Implementation of the CHT Peace Accord.

2. Dr. Dipu Moni, Honourable Minister, Foreign Ministry, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.

3. Barrister Shafique Ahmed, Honourable Minister, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Ministry, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

4. Mr. Syed Ashraful Islam, Honourable Minister, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative Ministry, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

5. Mr. Rezaul Karim Hira, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Land, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

6. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar MP, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of CHT Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

7. Mr. Hasan Mahmud, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

8. Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman, CHT Regional Council, Rangamati.

9. Mr. Promod Mankin, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

10. Mohammad Shah Alam, MP and Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka.

11. Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Refugees and IDPs, Khagrachari.

12. Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and Chairman, CHT Development Board, Rangamati.
13. Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury, Chairperson, CHT Land Commission.

Tourism in Hills, Consult council for development. CHT Commission advises govt against unilateral decision

Courtesy:
The Daily Star, Dhaka, Friday, January 8, 2010
Front Page

Staff Correspondent

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take necessary steps to cancel the planning ministry's decision to develop tourism in hill areas without consulting the Hill District Council.

The CHTC sent a letter to the prime minister on Wednesday expressing its concern over indiscriminate tourism development plans in the CHT.

Congratulating the Awami League-led alliance government on completing its first year in office, the letter said the commission had learned that the parliamentary standing committee (PSC) on the planning ministry on 23 December 2009 decided to develop tourism in the CHT region.

It is contrary to the CHT Peace Accord, 1997 since the Hill District Council (HDC) was not present during the decision-making and had not been consulted.

The letter signed by co-chairs of the CHT Commission Eric Avebury, Sultana Kamal and Ida Nicolaisen also pleaded with the premier not to implement the ministry decision to develop tourism in CHT without doing three more things.

These are -- to assess the environmental impact independently, make sure any new developments are not harmful to the environment and prevent further illegal land grabbing from indigenous communities in the name of development.

Citing media reports the CHTC alleged in the letter, "The upazila administration in Bandarban is illegally grabbing land belonging to Marma and Bawm communities in the name of tourism development centres. Forty-acres of land have allegedly been marked off with red flags by surveyors to build the tourist spots."

The letter said, "The PSC met, irregularly, under the CHT Development Board in Rangamati with Committee Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed in the chair. To facilitate tourism, the PSC also resolved to build a road along the bank of the Kaptai Lake and to set up various recreational facilities as part of this project. The road would be connected with Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Chittagong district."

Section 34 in B (kha) of the CHT Accord (Chittagong Hill Tracts Local Government Council/ Hill District Council) provides that "Local Tourism" will "be added in the functions and responsibilities of the Hill District Council", cited the CHT Commission in the letter.

It said, "These current acts are therefore in direct violation of the Peace Accord as the HDCs have not been involved in either the planning or the implementation of these projects.

The letter also said that CHTC is not aware of any studies that have been carried out to assess the environmental impact of the proposed growth of tourism industry in the CHT.

"We respectfully suggest that expert consultants be invited to assess the sustainability and potential impact of large-scale tourism on land and water resources," read the CHTC letter.

"The potential for tourism needs to be linked to other developments in the region in a single comprehensive plan, in the formulation of which democratically elected HDCs should be fully involved, " the committee added.

The CHTC said Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change and related environmental damage. Preserving the extremely fragile and precious environment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is therefore a priority.

Please also visit: www.chtcommission.org