Dhaka: CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma today announced that bamboo would play a pivotal role in the economic development of the hill districts. Speaking during a meeting with the country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Jiaoqun Shi, at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat, Chakma emphasized the significance of increasing bamboo production and use to build a strong economic backbone for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and address water scarcity in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chakma highlighted the environmental benefits of bamboo, stating that it serves as an effective tool to protect the hill region's environment. Therefore, the government is discouraging the planting of Segun, Mehgani, and high-rise trees in the area to preserve its natural state. He urged the FAO representative to implement projects that are both sustainable and beneficial for the local population, aiming to maintain a balanced environment and natural reserves.
Chakma expressed optimism that FAO's projects would not only sustain but also enhance the livelihoods of hill residents by meeting their food demands. He underscored the importance of cultivating bamboo and preserving the area's forests, jungles, fountains, and water flows. The government has initiated steps to cultivate cashew nuts, coffee, and maize across 26 upazilas in the CHT, and Chakma called on the FAO to develop new projects to support these crops.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Joint Secretary of the CHT Affairs Ministry Sajal Kanti Banik, private secretary to the adviser Deputy Secretary Khandkar Mushfiqur Rahman, FAO Assistant Country Representative Imanun Nabi Khan, National Project Implementation Officer Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, and UNDP representative A A Mong.