The demand for constitutional recognition of the term “Indigenous” for Bangladesh’s small ethnic or tribal communities has long been a burning debate. Tribal organizations advocating for this recognition base their arguments on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Among the 46 articles of this declaration, adopted on September 13, 2007, Article 30 is particularly significant for geopolitically sensitive regions like the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). This article states that military operations shall not take place on indigenous lands unless they are justified in the public interest or carried out with the free consent of the indigenous people.
In this blog, I will analyze this issue in depth and explain why such recognition could pose a severe threat to Bangladesh’s national integrity and security.
UNDRIP Article 30: Restrictions on Military Activities
Article 30 of UNDRIP explicitly states:
1. Military activities shall not take place in indigenous lands or territories unless justified by a relevant public interest or with the free and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned, or if they themselves request such operations.
2. Before initiating military activities, states must consult indigenous representative institutions to seek effective consent.
This article has particularly dangerous implications for Bangladesh. If the tribal communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are recognized as “Indigenous,” then their consent will become mandatory for military presence or operations in the region. Without such consent, the military may have to withdraw from the area, creating a dangerous security vacuum that could pave the way for separatist and terrorist forces.
The Geopolitical Importance of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The Chittagong Hill Tracts cover about one-tenth of Bangladesh’s total land area and share a tri-border region with India and Myanmar, making it strategically crucial. This mountainous region is not only rich in natural resources but also highly sensitive from a national security perspective. The presence of the military helps control illegal arms trafficking, cross-border terrorist activities, and the operations of separatist groups like the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS), the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), and the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).
Since the 1970s, the military has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in this region. Even after the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, military presence remains essential, as the agreement failed to completely eliminate terrorist activities. If constitutional recognition of “Indigenous” status leads to the enforcement of UNDRIP’s Article 30 and the withdrawal of the military, it would be a golden opportunity for separatist movements.
The Role of the Military in Stability and Security
Currently, military presence ensures stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Army camps provide security in remote areas and facilitate travel for ordinary citizens. For instance, visiting popular tourist destinations like Sajek Valley or Rangamati requires military escort or permission. The same applies to areas like Ruma and Thanchi in Bandarban. Without military protection, these regions could fall into the hands of terrorists, making travel impossible for mainstream Bengali citizens and turning the region into a “No Man’s Land” or a de facto separatist territory.
UNDRIP and the Risk of Secession
UNDRIP’s Articles 3 (Right to Self-Determination), 4 (Autonomy), and 6 (Right to Nationality) provide indigenous groups with significant powers that could be used to justify claims of separate nationhood. Article 10 (Prohibition of Forced Removal) could be leveraged to drive out Bengali settlers from the region, making the CHT a predominantly “Indigenous” territory. Following this, a referendum under UN supervision could lead to demands for secession from Bangladesh.
A historical example is the separatist movements in East Timor and South Sudan. Ethnic minorities in these regions engaged in prolonged conflicts demanding separate national status. Recognizing the Chittagong Hill Tracts as “Indigenous” could trigger a similar situation.
Foreign Influence and Strategic Manipulation
The tri-border nature of the Chittagong Hill Tracts makes it a strategic target for regional powers. Evidence suggests links between local militant groups and Northeast Indian separatist factions like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). There are also allegations of connections between CHT groups and Myanmar’s Arakan Army. Indigenous recognition could serve as a powerful tool for external forces seeking to destabilize the region.
Since the adoption of UNDRIP in 2007, tribal organizations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have actively promoted the term “Indigenous.” Allegations suggest financial and logistical support from NGOs, Christian missionary groups, and Western diplomats. The term’s increased usage in media appears to be part of a deliberate strategy. A recent proposal by media reform commission chief Kamal Ahmed to include “Indigenous” in official discourse is seen by many as part of this agenda. Such initiatives pose a significant threat to national unity.
Why Oppose This Recognition?
- 1. Threat to National Integrity
The Chittagong Hill Tracts are an inseparable part of Bangladesh. Military presence is essential for national sovereignty and security. Recognizing “Indigenous” status would weaken this presence and challenge the country’s territorial integrity. - 2. Historical and Constitutional Perspective
The Bangladesh Constitution recognizes ethnic minorities as “tribes.” The term “Indigenous” is inconsistent with the historical reality of the country. These communities are not the original inhabitants of Bengal; rather, they migrated from Northeast India and Myanmar over time. Even during the British colonial period, they were identified as “tribal” rather than “Indigenous.” - 3. Risk of Separatism
UNDRIP’s Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 25, 26, and 30 collectively establish a framework for self-determination, nationality, and land rights that separatists could exploit. If these provisions are enforced in Bangladesh, the Chittagong Hill Tracts could evolve into a “mini-state.” Eventually, travel to this region might require a passport and visa—an idea that may seem far-fetched now but could become a reality.
Final Thoughts
Granting “Indigenous” recognition would lead to the cessation of military activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, posing a grave threat to Bangladesh’s national security and unity. This is not just a matter of terminology but a potential geopolitical conspiracy. As responsible citizens, we must recognize the dangers of this recognition and remain vigilant. A thorough reading of UNDRIP reveals the hidden perils behind this movement. As a patriotic citizen, I oppose this recognition and urge others to do the same. We must stay united to protect the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.
Note:
The debate over “Indigenous” vs. “Tribal” status, the misuse of international law, and the claim that Bengalis are the original Indigenous people of Bangladesh are deeply interconnected issues. Historical records, legal provisions, and anthropological insights suggest that tribal groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts do not meet the criteria for being “Indigenous.” Some separatist ideologies influence this claim. To learn more, explore related articles under the following tags.
