The Position of Bengali Settlers in Development Dynamics: The Case of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Abstract

The paper portrays the positioning of Bengali settlers within the development dynamics of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The development ventures counteract several contested questions, such as land disputes, concerns related to the resettlement of Bengalis, the economic and political challenges facing ethnic minorities, the biased access to trade and tourism, and the unfriendly sociocultural relations. Besides, the inclusion of Bengali settlers as unwelcome guests through the resettlement program creates a counterproductive conflict and displacement politics between the government and the Pahari political groups, which situates the settlers in a disadvantaged position. The findings recognised that the social, political, and economic circumstances of the Bengali settlers are more subpar than those of their counterparts. The state and its agencies’ mandates are a potential source of contention in terms of resettling internally displaced settlers in CHT. Since the settlers represent nearly a quarter of the marginalised communities, they seek equitable development initiatives that benefit all. The article theoretically examines the politics of development through the lens of the motives and the rationalisations of resettlement. Based on empirical research, the study employed an integrated approach to explore the everyday experiences of Bengali settlers living in the CHT, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods to support the findings with empirical evidence.

Highlights:

New findings on marginality: The research reveals that Bengali settlers occupy a disadvantaged position—economically, socially, and politically—despite being viewed as agents of colonization. It documents their limited access to NGO and donor-led development programs, highlighting an invisible layer of marginalization within national development discourse.

Policy insight and reconciliation framework: The study introduces a pro-human development approach that advocates for inclusive coexistence among Pahari, Adi Bengali, and settler Bengali communities, emphasizing dialogue, shared development, and reintegration to achieve sustainable peace in the CHT.

Empirical novelty: Fieldwork conducted in Khagrachari Sadar and Panchhari Upazila generated first-hand data on Bengali settlers’ socio-economic conditions, perceptions of return migration, and relations with Pahari ethnic groups—areas previously underexplored in existing literature.