Rangamati: Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has announced that the government is formulating special initiatives to attract foreign tourists to the region. He emphasized the untapped tourism potential of the hilly area and the government’s commitment to drawing not just domestic tourists, but also international visitors.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dipen Dewan highlighted that measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of foreign tourists and to eliminate barriers to their free movement. Speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting on tourism development in the CHT, organized by the Resort Owners Association Rangamati at Bargee Lake Valley Resort, Dewan stressed the importance of increasing foreign tourist visits for local employment and economic benefits.
He acknowledged existing administrative hurdles that restrict foreign tourist movements and mentioned that discussions are ongoing at the highest government levels to address these issues. Concern
s over security in the region, fueled by negative perceptions, were also addressed by the minister, who called for collective efforts to dispel fears and promote the natural allure of the hills.
Dipen Dewan urged the media to play a proactive role in countering negative perceptions and to engage in positive publicity to support these initiatives. Highlighting Kaptai Lake as a national asset, he shared the government’s vision of leveraging tourism centered around the lake to achieve economic growth. The meeting, presided over by Resort Owners Association Rangamati President Tanoy Dewan, was attended by key stakeholders including Vice-President Lalit Chandra Chakma, General Secretary Sumet Chakma, district BNP leader Subhash Chakma, and member Bappi Tanchangya.