Sept 29, V7N - Following the collapse of the Awami League government, the leaders of the district councils in Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—Mangsui Pru Chowdhury Apu, Angsui Pru Chowdhury, and Kyashihla—have gone into hiding. Reports indicate that Mangsui Pru Chowdhury Apu may have fled to India and potentially onward to Thailand. Despite their absence, these officials have not officially resigned from their posts, resulting in a complete halt of official activities within the district councils. Consequently, operations have ground to a halt, including the suspension of salary payments to staff.

Since August 5, none of the three district council chairmen have appeared in their offices, nor have they returned home. Allegations of misconduct have been directed at them, and local residents are frustrated by the absence of elections for nearly thirty years. The last election for these councils was conducted on June 25, 1989, and while the term was extended, no further elections have been held.An unnamed official noted the difficulties faced by numerous officers and employees due to unpaid salaries. The absence of civic services, which should have been provided as per the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty, has left many residents lacking essential support.

 

AKM Shamimul Haque, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, recognized the ongoing crisis but expressed hope for a quick resolution. He stated that the process to establish a new council is already in progress and believes this will help address the current challenges.The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty, signed on December 2, 1997, required that elections be held within three months; however, no actions have been taken to fulfill this mandate, resulting in persistent governance issues. Additionally, several other Pahari leaders, including former members of parliament, have also gone into hiding since the government's fall.

Lokman Hossain, the President of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Council, pointed out the lack of representation for the Bengali community in key positions across various departments and urged for immediate elections for the district councils.In recent news, Supradeep Chakma has been named an adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, while Ripon Chakma is acting as the chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board. Santu Larma, a notable and often controversial figure in the area, continues to serve as the head of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council. Many hope that Supradeep Chakma will strive to promote unity among all communities in the hills and work towards reducing communal violence.

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