Updated On: 26 January, 2026 06:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Rights and Risks Analysis Group has cautioned that ending quota protections for indigenous communities in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, as declared by BNP leader Tarique Zia, could lead to unrest. The warning comes ahead of the country’s elections in February

RPAG warns of unrest after BNP President Tarique Zia declares end of quota for hill tribes. File pic
Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) Director Suhas Chakma has cautioned Bangladesh National Party (BNP) President Tarique Zia that the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) could face serious unrest if his proposal to end quota provisions for hill tribes is implemented.
In a formal communication addressed to Zia, Chakma expressed concern over statements made by the BNP chief during an interaction at Chittagong University, he Zia reportedly advocated for “equal rights (sama adhikar)" for all citizens and declared that there would be no special quota for indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Zia also stated that hill tribes should be recognised solely as Bangladeshis and not as “indigenous peoples”.