Chittagong: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today sought cooperation from the World Food Programme (WFP) in ensuring sustainable food security and generating employment opportunities in the hill districts. He made the call during a meeting with a WFP delegation at the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs at the Secretariat this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that the present government is now placing greater emphasis on imparting technical skills to youths in the hill region instead of relying on traditional relief assistance. He sought the support of the international organisation in ensuring sustainable food security and creating employment opportunities for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), particularly the youths.
During the meeting, the two sides held bilateral and fruitful discussions on safe food assistance in the three hill districts. Minister Dipen Dewan said WFP’s technical assistance is crucial for ensuring digital management and transparency in the government’s social safety net programmes. He also requested necessary initiatives to ensure the swift delivery of food assistance during emergencies and disasters in remote hilly areas where communication systems remain poor.
Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and WFP Country Director Ms Simone Parchment were present at the meeting. The delegation also included WFP Senior Partnership Advisor Md Mohsin, Deputy Head of Programme Ms Mabibeth Black, Head of Operation Hafiza Khan, and Programme Policy Officer Sumitra Chakma. Senior officials of the ministry were also present.
The WFP delegation praised the government’s initiatives for the development of the hill region and assured continued close cooperation with the ministry in the areas of food security and skills development in the future.