The dynamics of interrelations among the Bangalee, Chakma and Tripura ethnic communities of Chittagong hill tracts: Understanding the nature of ethnicity and identity

Abstract

This anthropological study titled ‘The Dynamics of Interrelations among the Bangalee, Chakma and Tripura Ethnic Communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts: Understanding the Nature of Ethnicity and Identity’ has been conducted to find out the diversified interrelations operating among the Bangalee, Chakma and Tripura ethnic communities living in Singinala, Paltanjay and Beltali paras under Perachhara Union of Khagrachari Sadar Upazila, Khagrachari district (bounded by Indian State of Tripura on the north, Rangamati and Chittagong districts on the south, Rangamati district on the east, and Chittagong district and Indian State of Tripura on the west) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Initially the supreme concern of this study has been to identify their nature of ethnicity and identity through an understanding of their three aspects: i) religious, ritual and cultural festivals, ii) political relations, and iii) economy and market sphere. The ultimate goal has been to take a deep look into the internal and external factors which crystallize their dimensions of interrelations. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) is in the South-eastern Bangladesh (bordering India and Myanmar) and consisting of three districts –Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Before 1950s this region was inhabited mostly by the ethnic communities (of Sino- Tibetan descent, with Mongolian features, and predominantly Buddhists and small numbers of Hindus) other than the Bangalees. Today at least 12 ethnic communities and the Bangalees are living in the CHTs and giving the area a colorful image where all these communities differ in terms of language, social organization, culture, religious rites, and food and agricultural techniques among others. Two types of Bangalees are living in the CHTs – naturally migrated (during British period), and settlers (after the independence of Bangladesh). But the Bangalees living in Singinala para belong to the first category and have come mostly from the districts of Feni, Noakhali, Comilla, and Chittagong of Bangladesh. Historically, two factors have facilitated their settlement in this para (and also in the CHTs) – exchange of commercial materials, and development of Chittagong port (with expansion of the city) to facilitate the exchange. On the other hand the Chakmas of the Beltali and Paltanjay paras consider themselves as the major ethnic community and identify them to be the indigenous resident of the area. According to their oral history their ancestors had come from the Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal and Assam regions of Eastern India i.e. from Indo-Aryan group. The Tripuras of Beltali para consider them to be one of the major and ancient ethnic communities living in Indian subcontinent and CHTs for centuries. They recall their place of origin to the Tripura State of India where they are the dominant group.