Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Secretary Md. Abdul Khaleque spoke at the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York on Monday. Photo : UN Bangladesh Mission

DHAKA, April 24, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh has reaffirmed unwavering commitment to uphold the constitutional guarantee in promoting and protecting the rights of all citizens and to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. 

The commitment was reiterated by Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Secretary Md. Abdul Khaleque at the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York on Monday, according to an official statement received here today. 

In his statement, Khaleque informed the Forum about the implementation progress of the CHT Peace Accord. 

He also highlighted the land management system prevailing in the CHT region, which runs in accordance with mainly the provisions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation, 1900. 

The secretary further emphasized the Bangladesh government's continued financial support and allocation in the CHT region to ensure infrastructural development and promote advancement in education, healthcare, livelihoods and sports. 

Bangladesh's constitutional commitment to protect and promote the unique local culture, heritage and traditions of the ethnic sects and communities has also been reiterated in Bangladesh's statement. 

Participating in the thematic dialogue on the 'Financing of Indigenous Peoples' Work and Participation Across the Multilateral and Regional System,' the Bangladesh delegation acknowledged the importance of their meaningful participation in relevant multilateral and regional system on issues affecting them. 

However, the importance of respecting the established UN practices and procedures was also underscored by the Bangladesh delegation.

The Bangladesh delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Land, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from ethnic communities from both the CHT region and plain land.