The independence attained through the armed Liberation War of 1971 is the greatest achievement in the national life of the Bengali people. On December 16, 1971. Bangladesh got emancipated from the oppressive rule of Pakistan. The participation of people from all walks of life, regardless of race, creed, or color, turned the liberation struggle into a true people's war. Like other regions of the country, the Liberation War had a remarkable impact on the then-district of the CHT. Inspired by the freedom-loving people across the nation, both the indigenous hill communities and the Bengalis of the CHT took part in the war. From the initial stages, people from all backgrounds comprising both the hill communities and Bengalis got collectively prepared for the Liberation War. Even though 53 years have elapsed since the Liberation War, no significant research has been conducted on the war in the peripheral areas of the CHT, the organizers of the war, the initial preparations and resistance, the guerrilla warfare in the hills, or the decisive operations in December. To highlight the contribution of the ordinary people of the marginalized CHT 10 Bangladesh's Liberation War, the research titled "The Liberation War of Bangladesh: Initial Preparations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts" has been undertaken.

The Liberation war of 1971 was the final stage in the realization of the Bengali nation’s identity. Although the vast majority of Bengalis supported the Liberation War, a small number of people sided with Pakistan and worked in its favor. Long before 1971, the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts were traditionally associated with the Chakma (Rangamati), Bohmong (Bandarban), and Mong (Khagrachhari) circles. The Chakmas, the largest ethnic group in the CHT, were deeply influenced by their traditional chief, Raja Tridiv Roy. Among those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence movement, Raja Tridiv Roy—chief of the Chakma Circle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—was a notable figure. As the traditional leader, he led a large portion of his people in supporting Pakistan during the Liberation War. Toward the final phase of the war, sensing Pakistan’s weakening position, he left for West Pakistan and represented Pakistan in various diplomatic missions around the world. He advocated on behalf of Pakistan at the United Nations and in Buddhist-majority countries of South and Southeast Asia. Listed under the Collaborators Act of 1972, this anti-independence Chakma leader remained loyal to Pakistan until his death. The present article aims to discuss the role of Raja Tridiv Roy in Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

This essay was published in the 5th Convocation Souvenir of the University of Chittagong, 2025.

This is a book chapter from an edited volume titled China’s Development from a Global Perspective, edited by Maria Dolores Elizalde and Wang Jianlang (UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2017)

The Gairika Periodicals and the thoughts of the Intelligentsia of CHTs on their homeland

The Revenue Administration of Chakma Rajas of Chittagong Hill Tracts