Call for removal of CHT advisor by local ethnic communities

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Ethnic communities in Bangladesh’s hill districts are demanding the removal of Supradip Chakma, Advisor on Hill Tracts Affairs, after one year in the role.

Chakma, from Khagrachhari, is a prominent figure and the first Chakma to join the foreign service and become a secretary. He retired in 2021 after serving as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, before being appointed Advisor in 2024.

Protests have erupted in Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, with accusations of discrimination and irregularities in food grain allocations. Protesters demand the Ministry of Hill Tracts Affairs should represent all communities, not just one group.

In addition to Chakma, protesters are calling for the removal of Kongkon Chakma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, accusing both officials of bias in distributing development funds and food aid.

On June 30, further protests were triggered by Chakma’s controversial push for the official recognition of a term for small ethnic groups. Demonstrators argue that his actions are unconstitutional and have sparked division.

The protests have gained momentum, with calls for fairer representation of all communities in local institutions. The demand for Chakma’s removal continues to fuel debate across the country.