From Margins to Mainstream (M2M): Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) Reshape Governance for Chittagong Hill Tracts Indigenous Communities?
Chakma Vaskar, Amin Misbahul, Rouf Abdur, Suruj Al Mahmud, M Narasimha Raju, Rafid Mustavi · European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences · 2025
Indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh contend with multifaceted governance challenges, including representation, resource allocation, and access to services. This paper investigates the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address these issues and foster inclusive governance practices in the region. Grounded in the following research questions: 1) How are Indigenous communities currently governed in the CHT, and what are the primary challenges they face? 2) What are the opportunities and challenges of leveraging AI to enhance governance in the CHT? 3) How do Indigenous communities perceive the role of AI in governance, and what are their expectations and concerns? the study adopts a self-directed research approach, employing interviews, surveys, and online research to gather insights. Through a synthesis of existing literature and empirical findings, the paper identifies key considerations for deploying AI in governance contexts, including ethical implications, community engagement strategies, and capacity-building initiatives. The research underscores the importance of centering Indigenous perspectives and promoting participatory approaches in the design and implementation of AI-driven governance solutions. By shedding light on the intersection of AI and Indigenous governance, this study contributes to the discourse on technology and social justice, offering practical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to advance inclusive development agendas in marginalized regions.