The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is an area of 13,180 km² in south-eastern Bangladesh, on the border with India and Myanmar (Burma). CHT is under the Chittagong division and has three districts: Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban.

Population

The population of CHT is between 1 million and 1.5 million.

About 60% of the population adhere to Theravada Buddhism, most of whom belong to one of these tribal groups. Others adhere to Animism, Islam and Christianity.

The local tribals, collectively known as the Jumma, include the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tenchungya , Chak , Pankho , Mru , Murung , Bawm, Lushai , Khyang , and Khumi .

History

Chittagong Hill Tracts was once known as Korpos Mohol, the name used until 1860. As of 2 December 1997, it is an autonumous region divided into three districts, namely, Chengmi [Hagracuri (Khagrachari ) Hill District], Gongkabor (Rangamati Hill District), and Arvumi (Bandarban Hill District).

During the 1970s and 80s, there have been attempts by the Government to resettle the area with Bangladeshi settlers. However, these attempts were protested by the tribals, who formed a guerilla force called Shanti Bahini . Following years of unrest, a deal was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the tribal leaders granting limited levels of autonomy to the elected council of the 3 hill districts.

See Also

• Chittagong
• Bangladesh