“Bangladesh is an integrated and homogenous society bound by common language and rich cultural heritage. […] Bangladesh is a unitary state with a democratic Constitution that extends to the entire territory without exception”.92 This official position perceives Bangladesh as a nation-state. By claiming Bangladesh a homogenous society, this position denies the existence of other cultural groups, and justifies various assimilative actions taken by successive governments. However, the situation changed in 1997 with the re-emergence of Awami League to power after a long period. During this time, the government made sincere efforts to bring an end to the insurgency by initiating dialogues with the PCJSS. The government also sought cooperation from India who allegedly provided the SB with arms and other supports during the whole period of the insurgency. This considerably influenced the PCJSS to soften its demand for regional autonomy; instead, during the negotiations with the government, it accepted the government position that the three hill districts of the CHT – Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Banderban – will form a regional council.93 Following closed-door negotiations, the CHT Peace Accord between the National Committee on CHT Affairs formed by the Government of the People’s Republic 93 94 72 Mohsin, Politics of Nationalism, 201–202. Bengalis who legally possesses land in the Hill District and generally lives at a certain address in the Hill District are also permanent residents of the CHT according to the Peace Accord.