Chief of Chakma Circle Raja Debasish Roy has slated the chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Dispute Resolution Commission (CHTLDRC) Chairman Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury for suggesting the government to carry out cadastral survey in the three hill districts.
In a press release issued on Tuesday night, he also urged the government to remove Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury from the position and appoint a 'competent, honest and impartial' person as chief of the commission for solving longstanding land problem in the hills.
He also urged the government to bring amendment to the Commission Act as per the recommendation of CHT Regional Council.
Raja Debasish's statement came after CHTLDRC Chairman Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury in a press briefing after a meeting of the commission on Tuesday requested the government to start land survey as a sideline task during holding of hearings on submitted applications on land disputes.
Debasish, also a member of CHTLDRC, outright rejected the suggestion.
"Carrying out land survey is not under the jurisdiction of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001. Only the authorities of three hill district councils can do this job with coordination and supervision by the CHT Regional Council," says the press release issued by Debasish Roy.
"As per provisions of peace accord, cadastral survey can be conducted in hills after resolving land disputes and rehabilitation of jummo refugees and internally displaced people, not before it. In this regard, traditional laws, customs in CHT must be followed," he said.
"On June 11, chiefs of Chakma, Bomang and Mong circles sent an application to the commission chairman with quite a few recommendations for playing proper and neutral role for resolving land disputes in CHT region but the commission chief ignored it.
"Justice Khademul often takes unilateral decision even without informing the commission members, ultimately making the commission ineffective," Debasish said.