Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said that unity among all indigenous communities can help build a new and prosperous Bangladesh.
He said the diverse traditional festivals of the hill tracts are not only sources of joy but also part of the country’s heritage, customs and cultural identity.
The minister made the remarks on Monday afternoon while speaking with journalists after a greeting exchange program held at the residence of Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Kajol Talukder. The event was organized marking the “Biju-Sangrai-Boisu-Bishu-Bihu-Changkran-Changlan” festivals and the Bengali New Year 1433.
Dipen Dewan said 11 indigenous communities in the CHT are celebrating their traditional social festivals with enthusiasm. He, however, expressed concern that the traditions of several communities are gradually fading and said preserving and revitalizing them has become necessary to protect cultural identity.
He said the festivals symbolize communal harmony and stressed the need to strengthen cultural continuity and pass it on to future generations.
The minister said the government is committed to the development of marginalized communities and the preservation of their distinct cultures. He expressed hope that the traditional festivals of all communities in the hill tracts would receive official recognition and be observed under their respective names.
He also called for cooperation from all to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in building a prosperous Bangladesh, emphasizing patriotism through the slogan “Bangladesh First.”
Rangamati District Council Chairman Kajol Talukder was present, along with Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, senior government officials and journalists from print and electronic media.
At the end of the program, the minister extended greetings for the Bengali New Year and Biju to the people of the hill tracts and the country.
