Bangladesh: Rights group warns of unrest in Chittagong Hill Tracts after Tarique Zia declares end of quota for tribes

RPAG warns of unrest after BNP President Tarique Zia declares end of quota for hill tribes. File pic

Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) Director Suhas Chakma has cautioned Bangladesh National Party (BNP) President Tarique Zia that the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) could face serious unrest if his proposal to end quota provisions for hill tribes is implemented.

In a formal communication addressed to Zia, Chakma expressed concern over statements made by the BNP chief during an interaction at Chittagong University, he Zia reportedly advocated for "equal rights (sama adhikar)" for all citizens and declared that there would be no special quota for indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Zia also stated that hill tribes should be recognised solely as Bangladeshis and not as "indigenous peoples".

Chakma further argued that the principle of equal rights is not absolute and must account for the vulnerabilities of marginalised communities.

He noted that both the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights law provide for affirmative action and positive discrimination to ensure substantive equality.

Chakma cited Article 29(3) of the Bangladesh Constitution, which allows reservations in public employment for backward groups, and Article 1(4) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ratified by Bangladesh, which permits special measures for disadvantaged communities.

Referring to domestic legislation, Chakma also pointed out that the Income Tax Act, 2023, published in the official gazette on October 16, 2025, which recognises the 'adivasis' of the Chittagong Hill Tracts as "indigenous hillmen".

'Indigenous communities remain socially, economically disadvantaged in Bangladesh'

Highlighting demographic realities, Chakma said that indigenous communities form a small fraction of Bangladesh's population and remain socially and economically disadvantaged. He warned that the removal of quotas and special legal protections could further marginalise these communities.

The RPAG chairman further stated, "If indigenous peoples are denied access to opportunities due to the absence of reservation and their identities are eroded through the repeal of protective laws, the Chittagong Hill Tracts could witness rebellion as a last resort."

The warning comes ahead of Bangladesh's national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, amid heightened political discourse around governance, rights, and constitutional equality.