Bandarban:State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, emphasized that the three districts of the Chattogram Hill Tracts are exemplary of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision for a 'Rainbow Nation' free of discrimination and inclusive of all.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister articulated these views while serving as the chief guest at a financial assistance distribution event held at the Bandarban Zila Parishad auditorium. The event took place on Thursday night in celebration of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
The state minister elaborated that the peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups, religions, and cultures in the hill districts is a testament to the essence of the 'Rainbow Nation' concept. He noted that Tarique Rahman, in his capacity as the then-acting chairman of the BNP, had committed to an inclusive society via a 31-point state reform outline introduced in July 2023.
Mir Helal also mentioned that under the prime minister's leadership, the government had increased funding for this year's Durga Puja celebrations and ensured rigorous security measures to facilitate celebrations in a democratic environment. "Our main goal is to follow his ideals and vision, build a self-reliant Rainbow Nation and establish Bangladesh in a position of dignity on the global stage," he stated.
During the event, Mir Helal distributed cheques worth Tk 20 lakh to representatives from 33 Puja mandaps in Bandarban, on behalf of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. The programme was presided over by Bandarban Hill Zila Parishad Chairman Mamya Ching and attended by officials from local administration, law enforcement, the development board, and Hindu community leaders.