European Union (EU) William Hanna Visit Chittagong Hill Tract in Bangladesh

European Union Envoy to Bangladesh William Hanna has stated that full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord should be achieved in order to further the region's development and ensure its stability.

Below is an article published by The Daily Star.

European Union (EU) Envoy to Bangladesh William Hanna has said full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord is needed for peace, stability and overall development in the region.

He stressed the need for full execution of the accord while talking with Nikhil Kumar Chakma, chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council (RHDC), in his office yesterday [9 February 2014].

Hanna, who is leading a six-member EU delegation, arrived here yesterday [9 February 2014] morning to visit the EU-funded projects in CHT.

Though no remarkable progress has been made in full implementation of the peace accord over the last ten years, significant infrastructural development and different projects funded by EU have taken place in the region, Hanna said.

He urged the government to hold elections to three hill district councils for more effective development in the region.

The EU envoy expressed satisfaction with the progress of various EU-funded projects, which are being implemented by RHDC in collaboration with CHTDF and UNDP.

RHDC Chairman Nikhil Kumar Chakma said hill people are getting benefit from the projects funded by EU. The ongoing development projects, particularly on education, health and agriculture, will hamper if the EU discontinues its funding, he said, urging the EU team to continue fund allocation for more development works in the region.

On peace accord, Nikhil said 48 out 72 clauses of the accord have already been executed by the government. “We hope the government will implement the rest of the agreement soon,” the RHDC chairman said.

Later, the EU team met CHT Regional Council Chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma in his office. The team will leave Rangamati for Bandarban today.

http://www.thedailystar.net/eu-for-full-execution-of-cht-peace-accord-10680