Several candidates contesting the 13th parliamentary election from Rangamati on Thursday called for the reinstatement of former Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan and demanded the removal of the current state minister from the ministry.
The demands were raised at a press conference held at a restaurant in Rangamati’s Stadium Market area. Independent candidate Pahel Chakma presented a written statement on behalf of the participants, while Gono Odhikar Parishad-backed candidate MA Abul Bashar was also present.
The candidates said Dipen Dewan should be restored to the position of full minister to safeguard the interests and rights of the people of the hill districts and to ensure the proper functioning of the ministry. They argued that the demand is consistent with the provisions outlined in Article 19 of Part D of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Peace Accord.
They also questioned the appointment of the current State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, claiming that the peace accord does not provide for the posts of state minister or deputy minister within the CHT Affairs Ministry.
According to the candidates, the appointment of a state minister contradicts the spirit and provisions of the agreement. They therefore urged the government to immediately withdraw the appointment and remove the state minister from office.
The speakers further called for strict adherence to the provisions of the CHT Accord in future appointments, insisting that no individual from outside the Chattogram Hill Tracts region should be considered for positions such as state minister or deputy minister in the ministry.
They said maintaining the integrity of the agreement is essential for preserving trust among the people of the hill districts and ensuring effective governance in the region.
