administration of this region. In 1860, another circle was formed in present Khagrachhari zila, inhabited by the Tripura population. The chief or the Raja of this circle was selected from the minority Marma population. The circle was named after the Tripura dialect the Mun Circle, but later, the 'Mun dialect', was changed and renamed as Mong Circle. In 1900 the British offered independent status to Chittagong Hill Tracts recognizing the culture and language of the hill tracts population. But during The Partition of Indian sub-continent this status was abolished and became part of East-Bangladesh, ruled under Pakistan. Then, the name of this subdivision was Ramgarh with its headquarters at Khagrachhari. It was upgraded to zila in 1983. The zila headquarters is located on the bank of the 'Chengi' stream (meaning Chhara in local language) which was full of Catkin plants (meaning Khagra in local language). It is believed that the zila might have derived its name from the above two words 'Khagra' and 'Chhara'. Khagrachhari Local Govt. Council was established on 6 March 1989 to uphold the political, social, cultural, educational and economic right and to expedite the process of socio-economic development of all residents of Khagrachhari Hill District. According to 'Peace Accord' this council was renamed as Khagrachari Hill District Council (KHDC) by the Act-10 of 1998. Now this council has been regarded as the main focal point of administration as well as development activities of the district.