Bangalees in CHT demand cancellation of peace agreement

Terming the treaty as a 'Black' one, the leaders said the Bangalees living in the hill tracts have become second-class citizens because of the treaty, as they are being deprived of their educational, constitutional, economic and political rights and facing discrimination.

They also said the education rate of Bangalees living in the hill tracts is only 23 percent while the rate of the indigenous is 88 percent, since they have quota system while pursuing their studies.

The leaders demanded of the government to withdraw the indigenous quota system in education and employment and initiate a hill tracts quota immediately to ensure development of the Bangalees in the hill tracts.

Yeakub Ali, president of the Parbattya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad said despite passing four and half years, the government is yet to keep its promise. The ruling BNP's election manifesto committed to withdraw the treaty, if voted to power.

Parishad leaders Abu Taher, Sheikh Ahmmad, Abdul Hamid Rana, Fazlul Haque, Shimul and Alam Khan also spoke at the rally.

Later, they brought out a procession that paraded different streets in the city.