The Chittagong Hill Tracts Citizens’ Council (CHTCC) has called for a day-long shutdown in Bandarban on 13 October, from morning to evening, demanding the repeal of the Hill Tracts Regulation Act and implementation of seven other key demands.
The announcement was made on Thursday morning at a press conference held in a local hotel’s hall by the council’s central chairman, Kazi Md. Mojibur Rahman.
In his written statement, Mojibur Rahman highlighted that the Bengali community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has faced decades of discrimination and denial of constitutional rights. “These eight demands have been raised to secure the legitimate and constitutional rights of the Bengali community,” he said.
The eight demands include:
Repeal of the 1900 Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation Act enacted during the British era and implementation of governance in the three hill districts under the Constitution.
Abolition of the Raja’s certificate system for land transactions, jobs, and education.
Introduction of standard land transaction and management systems in Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban, similar to other districts.
Extension of market fund lease terms to 99 years and reopening of closed bank loans.
Establishment of eco-friendly brick kilns, factories, and industries to promote development and employment.
Reinstatement of 246 withdrawn army camps to maintain law, order, and security.
Recovery of illegal arms and arrest of criminals to stop extortion, abduction, murder, and rape, and to establish lasting peace.
Ensuring equal rights and justice in education, health, business, and employment, eliminating discrimination.
Mojibur Rahman stated that the shutdown is being called by the council and the local population in support of these demands.
However, the press conference clarified that government offices and courts, vehicles of government officials, ambulances, food shops, pharmacies, law enforcement vehicles, and media transport will be exempt from the shutdown.
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