Shanti Bahini

Shanti Bahini was an armed insurgent group formed in the 1970s by the indigenous Chakma people of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Their goal was to promote autonomous rights and protect their cultural identity amidst perceived marginalization and land disputes caused by government policies and settlement programs. Over time, the group engaged in armed conflict with the Bangladeshi government, seeking greater autonomy for their region. The conflict continued until a peace treaty was signed in 1997, which granted limited autonomy and recognized indigenous rights. The Shanti Bahini's history highlights ongoing struggles for indigenous self-determination and cultural preservation in the area.