Fact Sheet on CHT The name Chittagong Hill Tracts is indicative of a land of hills and forests, which generally should evoke striking images of majestic scenic beauty, magnificent lakes and artificial water-courses, serpent-shaped rivers and tributaries, densely forested valleys, ravine and stiff covered with trees, bush and creeper jungles. It presents a sharp contrast to the rest of the country not only in respect of topography, but also with regard to climate, economy, communication, its people, their religion, culture and social structure. Physical Aspects Boundary: Chittagong Hill Tracts is bordered by Tripura State and Mizoram of India to the north and Northeast, Burma to the Southeast and Chittagong District to the west. Situation: It is situated between 21.25° and 23.45° north latitude and between 91.45° and 92.50 east longitude. Chittagong Hill Tracts : A Map Area: It comprises a total area of 5,093 square miles. Hill and Mountain Ranges: 1,518 feet at Phoromone near Rangamati is one of the most recognizable, along with Chimbu (3,200 ft.) in Bandarban. Keokradong (4,034 ft) is the highest peak of Bangladesh and is located in the Ruma upazilla of Bandarban. Rivers and Tributaries: Karnafuli is the most important of all rivers. The port city of Chittagong – Bangladesh’s busiest port - is situated at its banks. Its local name by the Chakmas is ‘Borgang’ – the mighty river. The other rivers are: Feni, Sangu and Matamuhuri. Reserve Forests: The region is covered by dense tropical forests, although rampant deforestations in recent years have decimated large part of it. Approximately, 25% of the areas of the region is declared ‘reserve forest’ and managed by the Department of Forest. Climate: Generally hot and humid but varies from one season to another. The average annual rainfall is about 102 inches. The maximum temperature is about 35° C. and minimum is 10° C. The occasional heavy rainfall (more than 20 inches within a few days) causes serious (flash) flood in the region. Squally winds accompanied by nor’wester during the April-May occasionally cause damage to standing crops, trees and houses. Jhum Cultivation : Jhum cultivation is also known as shifting agriculture, slash and burn cultivation or swidden cultivation. A hill slope is selected in the month of April and is cleared off the jungle. The shrubs and creepers are then burnt; the ashes serving as natural fertilizer. With the first rains in May/June, the seeds of various crops – rice, cucumber, sesame, cotton, spices, chilly, yam, etc. are planted. The harvest is collected almost year round, when they are ready to collect. As of today, 30% of the region’s indigenous population depends on Jhum for their livelihood. Education: The literacy rate varies according to ethnic groups. Some have notably higher literacy rate such as the Chakmas (said to be approx. 60%), but most are far below the national average, such as the Mros (approx. 15%). Jhum cultivation in Bandarban History: The region was annexed to the British East India in late eighteen century and was under the administration of Chittagong Divisional Commissioner. The separate district – Chittagong Hill Tracts – was curved out by the British in 1860s. Subsequently, the district was ensured of its particular administrative status by virtue of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation 1900, popularly known as CHT Manual 1900. During the partition of 1947, the region was joined with Pakistan despite having a majority non-Muslim population. The most important event during Pakistani period is the construction of Kaptai hydro-electric dam in the 1960s which submerged one-third of the cultivable lands of the region and uprooted an equal number of people from their homesteads Following the independence of Bangladesh, the region’s indigenous leaders demanded autonomy for the region which was denied. Subsequently, they waged a guerrilla campaign from the mid-1970s onward. The insurgency ended in 1997, when the CHT Peace Accord was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the PCJSS – the indigenous political party. Another key feature of the region’s history and also administrative set-up, is the parallel existence of the traditional institutions, recognized by the Government, centred around the Circle Chief, mouza Headmen and village Karbaris. To this day, they perform important administrative and judicial functions, along side the formal government structures. People: The CHT is the most ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse region. In addition to the majority Bengalis, it is home to as many as 15 ethnic minority groups These are (1) Chakma, (2) Marma (3) Tripura (4) Mro (5) Tanchangya (6) Bawm (7) Lushai (8) Khyang (9) Khumi (10) Chak (11) Pankhua (12) Asamese/Boro (13) Nepali/Gurkha (14) Rakhain and (15) Santal. They follow Buddhism (Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, Chak, Rakhain), Hinduism (Tripura, Asamese, Nepali/Gurkha, Santal), with the others being followers of Christianity. However, animism stills remains deep in their beliefs. Traditional dances of the Bawm people Major festivals: The most important festival for the indigenous people is the New Year festival, celebrated over three days in mid-April and called Biju (Chakmas and Tanchangyas), Boisuk (Tripura), Sangrai (Marma and Rakhain), etc. Alongside, major religious festivals (Eid, Buddha Purnima, Durga Puja and Christmas) are also celebrated with much joy and fanfare.
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