Chittagong: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma inaugurated a three-day Chaitra Sankranti and New Year Festival here yesterday, as stated in a press release today. The adviser launched the festival's programs at Shakyamuni Bouddha Vihara in Mirpur, focusing on the rich culture and heritage of the hilly region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chaitra Sangkranti and New Year Festival is celebrated by various ethnic groups under different names such as Biju, Baisu, Sangrai, Changkran, and Vishu. A total of 45 organizations from three hill districts participated in the festival, setting up 30 stalls that reflected a hilly atmosphere.
The festival featured traditional cultural performances and showcased hill handicrafts, food, and equipment. Subhashish Chakma, the convener of the Biju, Baishu, Sangrai, Changkran, Bishu Fair Celebration Committee, chaired the event. Prominent speakers included Sakyamuni Bouddha Vihara Principal Proggananda Mohathero, SME Foundation Chairman Mushfiqur Rahman, Lt. Col. Parimal Bikash Chakma, and member secretary of the organizing committee Subimal Chakma.
During his speech, Supradip emphasized the importance of improving the livelihood of the people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. He suggested shifting the focus of three key institutions-the Hill District Council, Regional Council, and Development Board-from an 'engineering concept' to a 'livelihood concept.' The adviser highlighted the government's efforts to make the CHT economically vibrant.