Conflict analysis

Conflict analysis is a systematic and comprehensive process of examining and understanding

the various dimensions, causes, and dynamics of a conflict or dispute. The primary objective of
conflict analysis is to gain insights into the underlying factors driving the conflict, identify
possible solutions, and develop strategies for conflict resolution or effective management.

There are some tools of conflict analysis. Conflict tree model is one of them. It is a metaphoric
visual model, which is used to compare a conflict to a tree. Just like a tree has many parts, any
conflict also has such parts or sections. We can analysis the conflict of “Chittagong Hill Tract” by
the conflict tree tool.

There are three parts in a tree. These three parts presents three parts of conflict.

 The trunk symbolizes the concealed primary issues of CHT conflict.

 The roots of the tree signifies the interconnected and intricate fundamental reasons
behind CHT conflict.
 The branch represents effects or outcomes of the CHT conflict.

Primary issues of CHT conflict

Conflict and violence: Frequent violence, including armed conflicts, communal clashes, and
insurgent activities, has plagued the CHT region for decades.

Land disputes: Land-related conflicts are a central issue in the CHT, with disputes between
indigenous communities and settlers over land ownership and usage.

Lack of indigenous rights: Indigenous peoples in the CHT have historically faced marginalization
and discrimination, including limited access to education, healthcare, and political
representation.
Socioeconomic underdevelopment: The CHT region lags behind in terms of development
indicators, including poverty rates, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

Political unrest: Political instability in the region, partly driven by ethnic tensions and mistrust,
hampers the overall governance and development efforts.

Armed conflict: The CHT has experienced armed conflict in the past, with various insurgent
groups, such as the Shanti Bahini, representing the interests of indigenous communities. These
conflicts have led to casualties, displacement, and instability.

Fundamental reasons behind CHT conflict

Land settlement policies: Land ownership and control have been central to the CHT conflict.
The conflict stems from disagreements between indigenous communities who want to keep
their land and the Bangladeshi government and settlers who want to take control of it.

Marginalization and discrimination: In the CHT, there are different indigenous groups with
unique cultures and languages. Due to their differences with Bengalis, these groups felt
marginalized often, which has played a role in causing conflict.

Political factors: Political tensions arise because indigenous communities want self-governance
and autonomy, while the central government wants to maintain its authority.

Economic disparities: Economic disparities, the distribution of resources and lack of

development in the CHT have exacerbated tensions. Indigenous communities often face
poverty and limited access to basic services.

Security and militarization: The significant military presence in the CHT has raised concerns
about human rights violations and has made indigenous people feel less secure.

Economic exploitation: Natural resource exploitation, deforestation often without adequate

compensation to indigenous communities, has been a source of conflict.
Lack of implementation of peace accords: The conflict in the CHT continues because the
promises made in the 1997 peace agreement, especially regarding land rights and self-rule,
haven't been fully kept.

Effects of CHT conflict.

Loss of lives and displacement: The conflict has resulted in the loss of many lives over the
years, including combatants, civilians, and security personnel. Large numbers of indigenous
peoples and settlers have been displaced from their homes due to violence and insecurity.

Humanitarian crisis: The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, with many displaced people
facing difficulties in accessing necessities like food, clean water, healthcare, and education.

Economic Disruption: The CHT region has experienced economic disruption, as the conflict has
impeded economic activities such as agriculture, trade, and tourism.

Land disputes and insecurity have also hindered investment and economic development.

Impaired education: Education in the CHT has been adversely affected, with many schools
being closed or disrupted due to violence, causing gaps in education for children.

Political instability: The ongoing conflict has contributed to political instability in the region,
making it challenging the government to establish effective governance.

Hindrance to development: The conflict has hindered development initiatives in the CHT,
making it difficult to implement infrastructure projects, poverty reduction programs, and other
development activities.

Strained relations: The conflict has strained relations between indigenous communities,
Bengali settlers, and the government, leading to mistrust and animosity.
Links- https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19976706911

https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2009.49.6.1052

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/223080750700100201?journalCode=hsaa