Safeguarding Unique Ethnic Cultures in Bangladesh: Autonomy and the Right to Self-Determination.

In Bangladesh's constitutionally pluralistic democracy, over fifty-four ethnic groups advocate for self-determination. The 1935 Government of India Act granted the Chittagong Hill Tracts 'Totally Excluded Area' status, offering a significant opportunity for these communities to exercise self-rule. Since independence, the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and other ethnic factions have pursued greater autonomy, culminating in the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. This accord recognised land rights, cultural preservation, and established regional councils for self-governance. However, challenges persist, including assimilationist policies and land encroachments by Bengali settlers, impeding full self-determination. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Act of 1998 aimed to enhance the rights of ethnic communities, but its impact has been limited. Article 23A of the Constitution mandates the protection of Indigenous cultures, yet implementation remains insufficient. This article assesses the viability of internal versus external self-determination strategies for these communities, taking into account recent developments, while considering customary laws, legal developments, and existing administrative structures. It contends that despite the presence of various insurgent groups advocating for remedial secession rights, it is essential to uphold the substantial autonomy of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Indigenous people through an internal framework that emphasises shared culture, exclusive Indigenous governance, and a pluralistic society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]