Building Sustainable Peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: The role of Inclusive Development in Addressing Armed Group Rivalry

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of inclusive development policies and initiatives in reducing armed group rivalry and fostering long-term peace in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology, utilizing data from key stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. According to the study's findings, inclusive development policies and programs have the ability to address the underlying reasons of armed group rivalry, boost socioeconomic growth, and generate more social cohesion and reconciliation in the region. Inclusive development techniques that prioritize local communities' needs and ambitions can foster trust and legitimacy among them, increase their feeling of ownership and participation in development processes, and provide an enabling climate for long-term peace. The study also identifies barriers to implementing inclusive development policies and initiatives in the CHT region, such as a lack of political will and commitment, insufficient fund, and low ability and coordination among government agencies and civil society organizations. More political will, coordination, capacity-building, and community participation are required to implement successful development policies and programs that address the core causes of conflict and generate long-term peace in the CHT region.