Rangamati: Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today stated that the hill regions will advance alongside the plains through balanced development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “The Prime Minister is very sincere about the development of the hill people,” Dewan remarked, urging everyone to uphold their roots and cultural identity while embracing the spirit of ‘Sobar Agey Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh First).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dewan made these comments while inaugurating the traditional Sangrai water festival (Jolkeli) of the Marma community at Ching Hla Mong Mari Stadium in Rangamati this afternoon as the chief guest. Highlighting the cultural preservation of the Marma community, the minister praised their efforts despite various challenges and called for the protection of other endangered cultures in the hills.
He also noted that Sangrai, the water festival, has transcended its origins within the Marma community to become a festival of harmony among all ethnic groups, reflecting the country’s non-communal spirit. The event was attended by State Minister for Land and CHT Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, who emphasized the importance of unity beyond religious and ethnic lines.
The festival saw participation from a large number of local and foreign tourists, who joined in the celebrations marked by traditional attire and water splashing, symbolizing the cleansing of past sorrows and the welcoming of the New Year.