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Fakhrul finds plot in CHT mayhem


Published : 21 Sep 2024 10:06 PM

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed concerns about the recent unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), hinting that it could be part of a deliberate effort to destabilize the interim government.

During a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Saturday, Fakhrul said, “I do not believe the recent incidents in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are isolated events. There are numerous factors at play.” 

He emphasised that the interim government must engage in dialogue with major political parties to effectively address the turmoil in the region.

Fakhrul further elaborated, stating, “I am convinced that this is part of a larger strategy to destabilize the government and Bangladesh’s political environment. The situation can be interpreted as an effort to provoke a counter-revolution, which seeks to undo the gains achieved through past uprisings. Most importantly, there is an effort to initiate a process of  depoliticisation.”

Besides, Fakhrul expressed concern over comments made by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to India, noting that they are having significant repercussions in Bangladesh. 

“The overall situation is far from comfortable. In fact, it is quite unsettling... There are certainly reasons to be worried,” he added.

Fakhrul assumed that vested quarters may be trying to take advantage of the vacuum of a political and elected government in Bangladesh amid the unrest in Myanmar and the ongoing rebellion in India’s Manipur.

“If you consider all of these together, I believe these geopolitical incidents are very significant. But it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time,” he said.

The BNP leader believes that recent events following the formation of an interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus—including the encirclement of the Secretariat by Ansar forces, various demands from different groups, incidents of mob lynching at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar universities, and attempts to disrupt communal harmony—should not be seen as isolated incidents.

He said the main motive behind these incidents was to destabilise the interim government.

Referring to the unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said the party’s Rangamati leader Dipen Dewan expressed his concern as the government did not impose a curfew there to tackle the situation.

“After I learned about it, I informed those I know (in the government), but a curfew was not enforced. Only section 144 was imposed, but the situation could not be controlled effectively. In the meantime, the situation has escalated. This delay is causing harm,” the BNP leader said.

Stating that he is not blaming the interim government, Fakhrul emphasised that it is the responsibility of bureaucrats and other relevant stakeholders to provide the government with accurate advice. 

“That needs to happen. I believe there is a significant gap in this area, and that’s where the problem lies.”

Fakhrul said, “This government is very serious... they want to accomplish a lot... they can do anything. My point is that we should cooperate. They have already taken on several significant initiatives, and we see that.”

When asked about BNP's advice in this situation, he said, "Our recommendation is to engage in talks with regular political parties, especially the major ones."

As there are agreements in place to establish peace in the CHT, Fakhrul said the government should also engage in talks with different stakeholders to resolve the problem.