Citizens from the Chittagong Hill Tracts have formally urged the Election Commission to increase the region’s parliamentary representation from three to eight constituencies, warning that the current system undermines development, fuels discontent, and threatens long-term peace.

A memorandum was submitted to Chief Election Commissioner at the Agargaon headquarters on Monday by a delegation representing CHT civil society and student groups.

The delegation was led by Engineer Shahadat Farazi Shakib, President of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Students’ Council, and Paishikhai Marma, representative of the Parbatya Chattogram Nagarik Samaj.

The proposal calls for a complete restructuring of the electoral map in the three hill districts. Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, citing vast geographical size, growing population, and political marginalization.

A call for eight new constituencies

The memorandum outlines the formation of eight new parliamentary seats, distributed as follows: Khagrachari-1 covering Ramgarh, Manikchari, Lakshmichari, and Guimara; Khagrachari-2 comprising Matiranga, Mahalchhari, and Panchhari; Khagrachari-3 including Khagrachari Sadar and Dighinala; Rangamati-1 encompassing Baghachhari, Langdu, and Barkal; Rangamati-2 covering Rangamati Sadar, Kaukhali, and Naniarchar; Rangamati-3 including Judachhari, Bilaichhari, Kaptai, and Rajasoli; Bandarban-1 comprising Bandarban Sadar, Ruma, Thanchi, and Boangchhari; and Bandarban-2 covering Lama, Alikadam, and Naikhyangchhari.

Currently, each of the three hill districts has only one parliamentary seat, despite covering a combined area of 13,295 square kilometers, nearly 10% of Bangladesh’s total landmass, and housing a population of over 1.84 million (18,42,815), according to recent census data.

‘One MP for a district larger than Dhaka’

Syed Ibne Rahmat, a resident of Rangamati, highlighted the absurdity of the current system: “Rangamati is the largest district in Bangladesh – 25,116 square kilometers, with 10 upazilas and 50 unions. The Sajek Union alone is larger than Dhaka city. Yet, it has only one MP.”

He contrasted this with Dhaka, which has 20 parliamentary seats for its 13 upazilas: “In Dhaka, you don’t need to see an MP to get a road repaired. But in the hills, even a small culvert requires an MP’s recommendation. How can one representative serve 26 upazilas across three districts?”

Peace, development and inclusion at stake

Paishikhai Marma stressed that the lack of political representation is not just an administrative issue, it’s a security and peace concern. “There are seven armed groups in the CHT,” he said. “Neighbouring countries are supporting some of these militants. Unless we create more constituencies and ensure inclusive representation, lasting peace will remain elusive.”

He also pointed to the region’s rich ethnic diversity – primarily Marma, Tripura, and Chakma communities – but noted that smaller indigenous groups are consistently excluded from leadership. “Political parties always nominate candidates from the big three. The smaller communities never get a chance. This breeds anger, alienation, and eventually, armed resistance.”

Increasing the number of MPs, she argued, would not only ensure better service delivery but also create leadership opportunities for marginalised groups, allowing them to voice their grievances in Parliament.

Development stalled, voices silenced

The memorandum also highlighted how underrepresentation has stalled development. Despite the CHT’s immense potential in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, infrastructure remains inadequate, and public services are severely lacking.

“An MP’s job is to legislate and advocate for their people,” said Shahadat Farazi Shakib. “But how can one person represent such a vast, diverse, and isolated region? The current system is outdated and unjust.”

The delegation urged the Election Commission to initiate a review of constituency boundaries under Article 119 of the Constitution and to act before the next national election.

As Bangladesh navigates a new political era, the CHT’s demand for eight seats is emerging as a litmus test for the nation’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and lasting peace, not just in the hills, but across the country.