According to UNEP, at least one-fourth of the world’s land is owned, used, managed or occupied by indigenous people all over the world. Indigenous people of any country are closer to nature than mainstream. They always regard nature as their ecological family.
The indigenous people of Bangladesh are also exactly the same. They have been living for years mostly in the hilly region of Bangladesh named CHT (Chittagong Hill Tracts) the rest following Sylhet division, Rajshahi division and Mymensingh district. 11 indigenous communities namely Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, Lushai, Pankho, Bawm, Mro, Khyang, Khumi and Chak live in the different places in three districts of CHT.
Each community is rich in its own culture which is very attractive. But there’s one thing that is more attractive to others than their diversified culture is the beauty of the mountains. There are scattered hills throughout the entire CHT. One such hill is “Chimbuk Hill”.
It is located in one of the three districts of CHT that is Bandarban. It is 26 kilometers away from Bandarban town and takes about an hour to reach to the hill. It is the third highest hill in Bangladesh which is approximately 2500 feet high above sea level. The road to this hill is devious. The beauty of the mountains on both sides of the road and the Sangu River flowing on one side glorify the passengers of various transports as well as the tourists. There’s also a tourist spot to enjoy the breath taking panoramic view of the valley beneath it.
Everyday hundreds of tourists flock there to enjoy the scenic debonair of it. But there’s one important thing that is neglected in tourist arena which is eviction of the indigenous communities from their territories in the name of tourism. There’s a specific reason behind this statement of mine that is the ominous eviction of Mro families last year due to the plans of building a mega five star hotel in the Chimbuk hill.
Sikdar Group's five-star hotel and tourist spot is being set up at Kaprupara (a Mro village), Chimbuk hill. They have settled 20 acres of land from the district council. But Mro people are afraid they will lose 1000 acres of their land and get displaced at least 116 families living in five villages due to this plan. Consequently they started protesting on November, 2020 when people across the country were sitting indoors because of the Covid-19 epidemic. Even UN Human Rights experts urged to stop the construction of it on 9th February, 2021.
Although the daintiness of the Chimbuk hill is a blessing for Mro people, looks like it has now become a curse at the same time. Due to which their accommodation is under threat. Not only Chimbuk hill but many places and indigenous people of the CHT are facing such condition. In fact many have been evicted. Proof of which is the eradiction of 60 families of Khuki indigenous community because of the formation of Sajek tourism in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati district. Even after the peace accord of Chittagong Hill Tracts, the condition of it is still like this. Thousands of acres of their land get occupied in the name of tourism.
It is a great concern that the state immediately stopped this. Otherwise the indigenous communities will lose their existence forever due to constant displacement.
Last but not least “Tourism” is one of the most important industries for a country. But it doesn’t make any sense if the tourism is to evict people and destroy nature.
Written by Saptorshi Dewan
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