The post-colonial state and minorities: ethnocide in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Chakma, Bhumitra

Abstract

This paper argues that ethnocide in post-colonial states can be located in the interplay of three processes: (1) nation-building and development visions of the bureaucratic state; (2) the struggle for autonomy by the minorities; and (3) militarised pursuit of national security agenda by the bureaucratic state. The bureaucratic, political, economic, cultural and military penetration of the state into the territories of the indigenous communities often results in the marginalisation of those communities and destruction of their cultures and identity. It leads to demand for autonomy by the minorities. The state reacts to the struggle for autonomy by pursuing a militarised security agenda. Ethnocide in the post-colonial state occurs against the vortex of these processes. The Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh is an interesting case of ethnocide in the above context.

Citation

Chakma, B. (2010). The post-colonial state and minorities: ethnocide in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Commonwealth and Comparative Politics, 48(3), 281-300. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662043.2010.489746

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Jul 5, 2010
• Publication Date: 2010-07
• Journal: Commonwealth & comparative politics
• Print ISSN: 1466-2043
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-9094
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 281-300
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14662043.2010.489746
• Keywords: Political Science and International Relations; Sociology and Political Science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/399940
• PMID: 20617586