The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has warned that the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) could face unrest if Bangladesh National Party (BNP) president Tarique Zia proceeds with his recent declaration to abolish quotas for indigenous hill tribes and deny their recognition as indigenous peoples.
In a communication addressed to Zia, who is widely expected to assume office following Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, RRAG Director Suhas Chakma expressed serious concern over remarks made by the BNP leader during an interaction at Chittagong University.
Zia had stated that there should be “equal rights” (sama adhikar) for all citizens, no quota system for indigenous communities in the CHT, and that hill tribes are Bangladeshis rather than indigenous peoples.
Chakma argued that the concept of equal rights cannot be applied in absolute terms, particularly in the case of vulnerable and marginalised communities.
He said progressive constitutions and international human rights frameworks recognise the need for affirmative action, reservations and positive discrimination to ensure substantive equality.
Referring to Bangladesh’s constitutional provisions, Chakma cited Article 29(3), which empowers the government to provide reservations in public employment for backward groups.
He also pointed to Article 1(4) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ratified by Bangladesh, which allows special measures to promote equality.
He noted that it was in this spirit that a previous BNP government had enacted the Jatiya Sangsad (Reserved Women Seats) Election Act in 2004.
Chakma further stressed that the issue of indigenous recognition is already reflected in Bangladesh’s laws.
He referred to Clause 19 of the Sixth Schedule of 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”.
Warning of serious consequences, Chakma said Bangladesh’s indigenous population, estimated at around one million out of a total population exceeding 180 million, would be severely disadvantaged without reservation policies.
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He argued that without quotas, indigenous communities would be unable to compete for jobs and opportunities, and that dismantling legal protections safeguarding their distinct identity could push the CHT towards instability.
“If indigenous peoples are denied jobs due to the absence of quotas and their identities are eroded through the repeal of special protective laws, the Chittagong Hill Tracts will witness rebellion as a last resort,” Chakma warned.
The RRAG statement underscores growing concern among rights groups over the future of affirmative action and indigenous protections in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming elections.
