Bandarban:Chittagong: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue affirmed the government's commitment to reducing the financial burdens faced by low- and middle-income families.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the distribution of Family Cards and Farmer Cards across the country, following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as efforts to foster self-reliance among families and prioritize Bangladesh's development.
The remarks were made during a discussion, cheque distribution, and award-giving ceremony held in observance of the 55th National Cooperative Day 2026 at the Bandarban Hill District Council Auditorium. Minister Prue recalled his father, Angshai Prue, who founded the first cooperative society in Bandarban in 1967, which has since expanded from 9,000 to 50,000 members.
Minister Prue also outlined economic development plans for the Chittagong Hill Tracts, noting research that identified opportunities for cultivating coffee, cashew nuts, rambutan, mushrooms, chui jhal, and lotkon in 26 upazilas. He emphasized Ruma and Thanchi's suitability for coffee cultivation and mentioned initiatives to ensure sufficient water supply for farmers in Ruma.
Furthermore, the minister encouraged entrepreneurs to invest in export-oriented mushroom cultivation, native chicken rearing, garol sheep farming, and spice production. He urged educated unemployed youths to pursue entrepreneurship rather than rely solely on employment and called on the Department of Cooperatives to implement inclusive projects and enhance public awareness.
During the event, revolving loan cheques totaling Tk 9 lakh were distributed to four cooperative societies, and awards were presented to five organizations for their contributions. Financial assistance was also provided to the families of 19 deceased workers from the Shailoshobha Road Transport Workers' Union.