§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assurances were given to the last two meetings of Bangladesh donors by Ministers of the Bangladesh Government regarding the implementation of the Chittagong Hill tracts accord; whether they consider that those assurances have been implemented, and how they intend to pursue this matter at the next donors' meeting. [HL1558]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)During the 2002 and 2003 meetings of the Bangladesh Development Forum, donors expressed concerns over the Government of Bangladesh's handling of the Chittagong Hill tracts. They expressed particular concern at the slow pace of implementation of the46WA Chittagong Hill tracts peace accord. Given this, we are disappointed with the continued lack of progress on implementation of the peace accord, and are concerned at the increasing unrest in the region including violent clashes between rival tribal groups, settlers and the military. In advance of the 2004 Bangladesh Development Forum in May we will be discussing with donor colleagues the most appropriate way to raise these concerns during that meeting.