Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Dipen Dewan on Monday emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring balanced development between the plains and hill regions.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a five-day traditional fair and cultural discussion, Dipen Dewan said, “Balanced development across both plains and hill areas remains a key goal of the government. If the CHT lags behind, the nation’s overall progress will be affected.”
The programme, organised to mark the Bengali New Year and indigenous festivals such as Biju, Boisabi, Sangrai, Bihu, Changkran, Bisu and Sanglan, highlighted the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Dipen Dewan stressed that fostering communal harmony among different communities is essential for accelerating development in the CHT, which in turn benefits the entire country.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Dipen Dewan urged hill communities and Bengali settlers to collaborate for shared progress.
He also noted that festivals like Biju, once celebrated separately, are now observed collectively, reflecting growing cultural unity among communities.
The event was organised by the Rangamati Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute with support from the Rangamati Hill District Council and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The inauguration was chaired by Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Kajal Talukder, with notable attendees including CHT Development Board Chairman Major General (retd) Anup Kumar Chakma, Rangamati Region Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, and Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib.
Dipen Dewan praised the region’s natural beauty, hospitality and cultural heritage, highlighting how the Biju festival strengthens social bonds among diverse communities.
The five-day celebration, from 6 to 10 April, features cultural performances, sports, exhibitions, drama shows and traditional stalls.
Festivities have also begun across the three hill districts, with the main celebrations set for 12-14 April, concluding with the Marma community’s traditional water festival.
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