Rangamati: Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Dipen Dewan today announced a commitment to eliminate disparities between the plains and the hill regions. He emphasized the government’s goal of balanced development across both areas while inaugurating a five-day traditional fair and discussion as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized to celebrate the Bengali New Year and various indigenous cultural festivals such as Biju, Boisabi, Sangrai, Bihu, Changkran, Bisu, Sanglan, and Sangrai. Dewan highlighted the importance of ensuring that the CHT region progresses alongside the rest of the country, stressing that communal harmony among different groups would accelerate development in both the CHT and the entire nation.
Dewan also pointed out that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, it is crucial for all communities, including hill people and Bengali settlers, to collaborate for common progress. He noted that the festivals, once celebrated separately, are now observed collectively as the traditional festivals of all communities living in the hills.
The Rangamati Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute organized the event with support from the Rangamati Hill District Council and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The meeting 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.
Dewan remarked that the Biju festival plays a significant role in fostering interaction among the different communities in the hills, serving as a strong social bond. He urged everyone to preserve the region’s cultural heritage, praising its natural beauty and hospitality.
Before the inauguration, a colorful procession commenced from the Rangamati Government College ground, culminating at the institute premises. The five-day celebration from April 6 to April 10 includes traditional cultural programs, sports, product exhibitions, drama performances, and various stalls.
Meanwhile, festive celebrations have started across the three hill districts, focusing on traditional events like Biju, Boisabi, and Sangrai. These festivals are celebrated annually during Chaitra Sankranti and the Bengali New Year by different ethnic communities, such as Chakmas, Marmas, Tripuras, Tanchangyas, and the Ahmeya community. The main festivities will occur from April 12 to April 14, concluding with the traditional water festival of the Marma community.