Binodan Tripura

Binodan is programme coordinator at Zabarang Kalyan Samity, an organisation working with Indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The CHT is an area of Bangladesh severely affected by long running conflict and tensions over land and resources between its Indigenous peoples and settlers from the majority Bangla community. A Peace Accord to bring an end to armed conflict was signed in 1997, but has not been fully implemented. Reports of violence against women, violent evictions and community conflict continue against a background of poverty. Binodan’s organisation is one of many in the CHT that is working to peacefully address these issues. He is actively involved in the work with the community leaders, organising training, facilitating opportunities for community leaders to dialogue with government officials and liaising with community organisations to address human rights concerns.