Statement on Recent Misrepresentations over Chittagong Hill Tracts

Rangamati Hill District, Photo collected

Dhaka: 3 November: The Government of Bangladesh firmly rejects the recent mischaracterisation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as an “occupied”, “militarised” region, or “under military rule”, as presented in a recent article by Netra News and its associated photo project. Such descriptions are factually incorrect, misleading, and disrespectful to both the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Bangladeshi nation as a whole.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts have always been, and remain, an integral part of the sovereign territory of Bangladesh since independence in 1971. The region is administered under the civil authority of the Government of Bangladesh, not under military rule. Security forces are present—just as they are in other parts of the country—to ensure peace, safeguard all citizens, and support stability and development.

The Government categorically rejects any comparison of the CHT with the “West Bank” or any other occupied territory. Such analogies are baseless and constitute a gross distortion of reality. Bangladesh is a unitary state, and no part of its sovereign territory is under any form of occupation.

Bangladesh remains fully committed to upholding human rights, fostering inclusivity, and advancing the welfare and development of all communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

We welcome credible, evidence-based reporting on any alleged human rights concerns. To date, no substantiated complaints or verified reports of systematic abuse by security forces in the region have been received.

Bangladesh values freedom of artistic and journalistic expression. However, such expression must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and grounded in factual accuracy. We urge all media and creative platforms to exercise due diligence, professionalism and sensitivity when addressing complex historical and social contexts.

This information was given in a press release sent by the Pulbic Relations Officer of the Ministry of Home Affiars today. – PID Handout