Peace spoilers in different stages of the peacebuilding process in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh

Abstract

This thesis examines the dynamics of peace spoilers in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) conflict in Bangladesh, analyzing their emergence, motivations, tactics, and impacts across the pre-accord (1972–1995), negotiation (1996–1997), and post-accord (1997–present) phases of the peacebuilding process. This study employes a secondary data analysis methodology and synthesizes historical documents, and incident-level media reports from national and the local CHT area from January 2020–July 2025 to provide an explorative understanding of spoiler behavior and their impact. Drawing on peacebuilding theories (Galtung, 1969; Lederach, 1997) and spoiler typologies (Stedman, 1997; Zahar, 2006), the research identifies key spoilers, including the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), the Bangladeshi government, and Bengali settlers, among others, whose actions were driven by structural marginalization, exclusion, and unmet grievances. This potentially has undermined the 1997 CHT Peace Accord. Findings reveal that incomplete implementation, particularly on land rights and demilitarization, has perpetuated violence, with Indigenous civilians disproportionately affected (85 per cent of victims in 54 recorded incidents). Bandarban has faced most violent impact (56 per cent) among three districts. This analysis also identified that all the actors had animosity among themselves even though they share similar goals (such as, to protect Indigenous rights). The study highlights the interplay of structural, relational, and political factors in sustaining dynamic spoiling behavior, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue, sequenced incentives, and trauma healing to foster sustainable peace. This study identifies a peacebuilding phase-specific framework for understanding spoilers and practical strategies for peacebuilding in complex ethnic conflicts. This study also reveals a shift in actor dynamics in the CHT, including new emerged actors in recent times.