What geographical region is referred to as the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) refers to the three hilly districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, located in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, bordering India and Myanmar. This region is characterized by its hilly terrain and is home to various tribal peoples.

What is the Bengali name for the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and how is it romanized?

The Bengali name for the Chittagong Hill Tracts is পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম (Pārbôttô Chôṭṭôgrām).

Which three districts currently constitute the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The three districts that make up the Chittagong Hill Tracts are Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati.

How were the Chittagong Hill Tracts historically organized before being divided into separate districts?

Historically, the Chittagong Hill Tracts were divided by the British in the 19th century into three tribal chieftaincies: the Chakma Circle, the Mong Circle, and the Bohmong Circle. These areas formed a single district until 1984, when they were divided into the three separate districts that exist today.

What is the total area covered by the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts cover an area of approximately 13,295 square kilometers (5,133 sq mi).

What are the geographical coordinates of the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are located between 21°25' N and 23°45' N latitude, and 91°54' E and 92°50' E longitude.

Which countries and Indian states share a border with the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts share borders with the Indian state of Tripura to the north, Rakhine State of Myanmar to the south, Chin State of Myanmar and the Indian state of Mizoram to the east, and the Chittagong and Cox's Bazar districts of Bangladesh to the west.

What is the approximate total area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in square kilometers and square miles?

The area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is approximately 13,184 square kilometers (5,090 sq mi).

What is the general topography of the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are characterized by a predominantly hilly landscape, featuring a series of parallel ridges with altitudes ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters above sea level. This terrain includes steep slopes, narrow valleys, and occasional flatlands, distinguishing it from the plains of the rest of Bangladesh.

What is identified as the highest peak in Bangladesh, and where is it located?

Saka Haphong is identified as the highest peak in Bangladesh and is located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. While Tazing Dong is officially declared the highest, Keokradong is another famous peak in the region.

Which is the largest river flowing through the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and what significant structure is built upon it?

The Karnaphuli River is the largest river traversing the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Kaptai Dam, built on this river, has created Kaptai Lake, which is the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh.

Besides the Karnaphuli River, what other significant rivers are found in the region?

Other significant rivers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts include the Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Feni Rivers.

What types of forests are prevalent in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and what are some examples of flora found there?

The region is covered by tropical and subtropical evergreen forests. These forests contain species such as teak, garjan, and bamboo.

What kind of wildlife can be found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The wildlife of the Chittagong Hill Tracts includes mammals like elephants, leopards, and deer, as well as various bird species.

What are the primary soil types in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and what traditional agricultural practice is associated with them?

The soil in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is predominantly red and yellow sandy loam, which is less fertile than the alluvial soils found in the Bangladeshi plains. Due to the steep slopes, jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation is a traditional practice among the indigenous communities.

What are the main natural resources found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The region is rich in natural resources, including timber, bamboo, and various minerals. Kaptai Lake also serves as a source of hydroelectric power.

How is tobacco cultivation impacting the ecology of the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

Tobacco cultivation is negatively affecting the ecology of the Chittagong Hill Tracts by causing the loss of indigenous trees like Indian mahogany (Chukrasia tabularis) and depleting soil fertility.

What environmental issues are arising from activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

Environmental issues in the Chittagong Hill Tracts include deforestation and land degradation, stemming from practices such as tobacco cultivation on sloping land, shifting cultivation, and logging.

What is shifting cultivation, and what are its consequences in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn or swidden cultivation, is a primitive form of agriculture that has been practiced for millennia. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the current system with short fallow periods has accelerated erosion, land degradation, deforestation, and the impoverishment of tribal people.

What is the estimated land requirement for a family in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and how does this compare to the available land?

It is estimated that eight hectares of land are needed for the sustenance of a family in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. However, the total available land, excluding reserve forests, is 928,000 hectares, which is insufficient to meet the subsistence needs of the current population if this ratio is maintained.

What are the proposed solutions for addressing the land use challenges in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

To address the land use challenges, it is suggested that either large non-farm employment opportunities need to be created or more productive and sustainable land-use systems must be developed and adopted to replace the current shifting cultivation practices.

What type of climate does the Chittagong Hill Tracts experience?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts experience a tropical monsoon climate. This climate is characterized by high temperatures and significant seasonal rainfall, with mild, dry winters and hot, humid summers.

What is the average annual rainfall in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The average annual rainfall in the Chittagong Hill Tracts ranges between 2,000 and 3,500 millimeters, with most of it occurring during the monsoon season from June to September.

What were the mean daily maximum, mean daily, and mean daily minimum temperatures recorded for January in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to the 2005 data?

According to the 2005 data, the mean daily maximum temperature in January was 31.7°C (89.1°F), the daily mean temperature was 20.5°C (68.9°F), and the mean daily minimum temperature was 6.7°C (44.1°F).

What historical kingdoms were involved in conflicts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts region has been a historical warzone involving the Arakan Kingdom, the Chakma kingdom, and the Twipra Kingdom.

When and from where did the Chakma people settle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to the text?

According to the text, the Chakma people settled in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from Arakan (Burma) in the early 13th century, prior to the settlement of Mughal and Bengali people.

What was the historical relationship between the Chakma king and the Mughals?

There was a conflict between the Chakma king and the Mughals, which resulted in the Chakma king agreeing to pay tribute in the form of cotton to the Mughals.

What names were used for the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Mughal and early British records?

In Mughal and early British records, the region was referred to by names such as Jum Bungoo, Jum mahal, or Kapas mahal.

How did the East India Company establish tributary status over the region?

In 1787, the East India Company made the region its tributary after engaging in conflict with the Chakma raja and subsequently agreeing to a peace treaty.

How did the British East India Company divide the hills, and why?

The British East India Company divided the hills into three parts—the Chakma Circle, Mong Circle, and Bohmong Circle—in an effort to suppress the power of the Chakma queen, Kalindi Rani.

What was a recurring issue during the early colonial history of the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The early colonial history of the Chittagong Hill Tracts was marked by recurring raids by indigenous groups from the eastern hills, such as the Mizo or Lushai, and the British operations undertaken to repress them.

When did the name "Chittagong" begin to be applied to this region, and under whose control?

The name "Chittagong" for this area dates back to the 1860 British annexation, which brought the region under the direct control of British India.

How did the population of the Chittagong Hill Tracts change between 1872 and 1901?

The recorded population increased from 69,607 in 1872 to 101,597 in 1881, then to 107,286 in 1891, and finally to 124,762 in 1901. However, the 1872 census was considered imperfect, suggesting the actual growth might have been less dramatic.

What was the religious composition of the population in the Chittagong Hill Tracts around 1901?

Around 1901, Buddhists numbered approximately 100,000, Hindus numbered 50,000, and Muslims numbered 3,000.

What major historical event is linked to the Chittagong Hill Tracts concerning the partition of India?

The Radcliffe Line is mentioned in relation to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, indicating its significance in the partition of India.

What was the total population of the Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban districts combined in 2022, and what percentage were tribal people?

In 2022, the combined population of Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban districts was 1,842,815, with tribal people constituting 920,248, or 49.94% of the total.

What are the largest tribal groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to the 2022 census data?

The largest tribal groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to the 2022 census, are the Chakma (454,925), Marma (209,783), and Tripura (133,372).

How do the ethnic minorities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts differ from the Bengali majority?

The ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts differ significantly from the Bengali majority of Bangladesh in terms of their language, ethnicity, and religion.

What was the population density of the Chittagong Hill Tracts around the time of the 2022 census?

The population density was approximately 140 people per square kilometer.

According to the 2022 census, what is the largest religion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

According to the 2022 Bangladeshi census, Islam is the largest religion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, practiced by 44.52% of the population.

What is the second largest religion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and what percentage of the population adheres to it?

Buddhism is the second largest religion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with 41.74% of the population identifying as Buddhist.

What percentage of the population in the Chittagong Hill Tracts adheres to Hinduism and Christianity, according to the 2022 census?

According to the 2022 census, 9.18% of the population adheres to Hinduism, and 3.26% adheres to Christianity.

Which Upazila has the highest percentage of Buddhists according to the provided table?

According to the table, Juraichhari Upazila has the highest percentage of Buddhists at 95.60%.

Which Upazila has the highest percentage of Muslims according to the provided table?

According to the table, Lama Upazila has the highest percentage of Muslims at 76.18%.

Which Upazila shows a significant percentage of Christians, and what is that percentage?

Ruma Upazila shows a significant percentage of Christians at 37.32%. Thanchi Upazila also has a notable percentage of Christians at 34.43%.

What does the image captioned "Kaptai National Park" depict?

The image captioned "Kaptai National Park" shows a natural landscape within the Kaptai National Park, located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

What information is conveyed by the locator map of the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The locator map illustrates the geographical position of the three current Chittagong Hill Tracts statistical districts within the country of Bangladesh.

What does the image captioned "Keokradong, the highest peak of the Bangladesh situated in the region" show?

The image shows Keokradong, which is identified as the highest peak in Bangladesh and is situated within the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

What does the image captioned "The Kaptai lake, situated in the middle of the region" illustrate?

The image illustrates the Kaptai Lake, a significant artificial body of water located in the central part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

What is depicted in the image captioned "Dumlong peak"?

The image shows Dumlong peak, a geographical feature within the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

What does the image captioned "Nilachol, Bandarban" represent?

The image depicts Nilachol, a location situated in Bandarban, one of the districts within the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Wiki: Chittagong Hill Tracts: A Comprehensive Geographic and Cultural Overview

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Geography

Location & Borders

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), situated in southeastern Bangladesh, form an extensive hilly region bordering India and Myanmar. Specifically, they lie within the Chittagong Division and encompass the districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

Area & Terrain

Covering approximately 13,295 square kilometers (5,133 sq mi), the CHT is characterized by a rugged, mountainous terrain. This landscape features parallel ridges ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters in altitude, interspersed with steep slopes, narrow valleys, and occasional flatlands, distinguishing it from Bangladesh's typical floodplains.

Peaks & Waterways

The region is home to Bangladesh's highest peaks, including Keokradong (officially 986 meters), Tazing Dong, and Saka Haphong. The Karnaphuli River, originating in the hills, is the largest river, feeding the artificial Kaptai Lake created by the Kaptai Dam. Other significant rivers include the Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Feni.

Flora & Fauna

The CHT is characterized by tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, supporting diverse flora like teak, garjan, and bamboo. Its wildlife includes species such as elephants, leopards, and deer, alongside numerous bird species. However, ecological challenges such as deforestation are present.

Climate

Tropical Monsoon

The Chittagong Hill Tracts experience a tropical monsoon climate, marked by high temperatures and distinct seasonal variations. Annual rainfall typically ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 millimeters, concentrated during the monsoon season from June to September. Winters are generally mild and dry, while summers are hot and humid.

Climate Data

The following table provides a snapshot of the climate data for the region, illustrating average temperatures across different months.

Climate data for Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2005
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	31.7 (89.1)	35.0 (95.0)	37.8 (100.0)	38.9 (102.0)	42.2 (108.0)	37.8 (100.0)	35.6 (96.1)	37.7 (99.9)	35.6 (96.1)	35.6 (96.1)	33.3 (91.9)	31.7 (89.1)	36.2 (97.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)	20.5 (68.9)	22.8 (73.0)	26.5 (79.7)	28.5 (83.3)	28.8 (83.8)	28.1 (82.6)	27.7 (81.9)	28.0 (82.4)	28.5 (83.3)	27.7 (81.9)	25.0 (77.0)	21.8 (71.2)	26.2 (79.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	6.7 (44.1)	7.2 (45.0)	11.1 (52.0)	17.2 (63.0)	19.4 (66.9)	20.6 (69.1)	22.8 (73.0)	22.2 (72.0)	22.2 (72.0)	18.3 (64.9)	12.8 (55.0)	9.4 (48.9)	15.8 (60.4)
Source: Khan (2005)^[9]

History

Early Kingdoms & Mughal Era

Historically, the region was influenced by various kingdoms, including the Arakan, Chakma, and Twipra kingdoms. The Chakma people, the largest indigenous group, settled here from Arakan before the Mughal and Bengali settlements. During the Mughal period, the Chakma king paid tribute in cotton, indicating early administrative interactions.

British Administration

In the 19th century, the British East India Company divided the hills into three administrative regions: Chakma Circle, Mong Circle, and Bohmong Circle. This division aimed to manage the territory and its resources. The region's recorded population saw growth during British rule, with census data indicating shifts in demographics.

Post-Independence & Conflict

Following the partition of India and later the independence of Bangladesh, the Chittagong Hill Tracts have been a site of significant political and social developments, including periods of conflict. The region's unique status and the rights of its indigenous peoples have been central to these historical narratives.

People

Ethnic Diversity

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are home to a diverse array of indigenous peoples, who differ significantly from the Bengali majority in language, ethnicity, and religion. According to the 2022 census, tribal populations constitute approximately 49.94% of the total population in the three districts.

The primary indigenous ethnic groups include:

Chakma (24.7%)
Marma (11.4%)
Tripura (7.23%)
Mro (2.80%)
Tanchangya (2.33%)
Bom (0.67%)
Khyang (0.23%)
Khumi (0.18%)
Chak (0.15%)
Pankho (0.08%)
Lushei (0.01%)
Others (0.20%)

The Bengali population comprises about 50.1% of the total.

Religious Landscape

The religious composition of the CHT is varied. Islam is the largest religion, practiced by approximately 44.5% of the population. Buddhism is adhered to by a significant portion of the indigenous communities, accounting for about 41.7% of the population. Hinduism and Christianity are also present, with smaller percentages of adherents.

Religion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (2022)

Islam (44.5%)
Buddhism (41.7%)
Hinduism (9.18%)
Christianity (3.26%)
Other (1.30%)

Resources

Natural Wealth

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are endowed with significant natural resources. These include valuable timber, abundant bamboo, and various mineral deposits. The region's potential for resource extraction is substantial, contributing to the local and national economy.

Hydroelectric Power

The construction of the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River has created Kaptai Lake, which serves as a crucial source of hydroelectric power for Bangladesh. This infrastructure highlights the region's role in the country's energy sector.

Environment

Land Degradation Concerns

Like many mountainous regions, the CHT faces environmental challenges. Activities such as tobacco cultivation on sloping lands, logging, and shifting cultivation (jhum) contribute to deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation. These practices can impact ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.

Sustainable Practices

The current methods of shifting cultivation, particularly with short fallow periods, have accelerated environmental degradation. There is a recognized need to transition towards more sustainable land-use systems to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and the preservation of the region's natural environment for future generations.

Conflict

Political Context

The Chittagong Hill Tracts have a complex history marked by periods of conflict and political negotiation, particularly concerning the rights and autonomy of the indigenous populations. The region's unique status has led to its recognition by international bodies.

UNPO Membership

The Chittagong Hill Tracts, representing the Jumma people, are recognized as a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). This affiliation underscores the region's distinct identity and its pursuit of self-determination and recognition on the international stage.

Culture

Linguistic & Ethnic Identity

The indigenous communities of the CHT possess distinct languages, cultural practices, and traditions that set them apart from the broader Bangladeshi society. These cultural elements are integral to their identity and heritage.

Religious Diversity

While Islam is prevalent, Buddhism holds significant cultural importance for many indigenous groups in the CHT. The presence of various religious traditions reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.

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References

Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs http://www.mochta.gov.bd/

A full list of references for this article are available at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The Chittagong Hill Tracts region has a complex history and socio-political context; this overview aims to provide a factual summary based on the provided source.

This is not a substitute for expert consultation. The information provided is not intended to replace professional advice regarding geography, history, cultural studies, or political science. Always consult with qualified experts for specific inquiries or analysis.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Chittagong Hill Tracts

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🕌 Religious Landscape

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⚡ Hydroelectric Power

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♻️ Sustainable Practices

Conflict ⚔️

⚖️ Political Context

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Geography

Location & Borders

Area & Terrain

Peaks & Waterways

Flora & Fauna

Climate

Tropical Monsoon

Climate Data

History

Early Kingdoms & Mughal Era

British Administration

Post-Independence & Conflict

People

Ethnic Diversity

Religious Landscape

Resources

Natural Wealth

Hydroelectric Power

Environment

Land Degradation Concerns

Sustainable Practices

Conflict

Political Context

UNPO Membership

Culture

Linguistic & Ethnic Identity

Religious Diversity

Teacher's Corner

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References

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Disclaimer

Important Notice