State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin on Saturday said the government aims to transform the Chittagong Hill Tracts into a world-class ecotourism destination by tapping its natural beauty and resources.
Speaking at an introductory and coordination meeting with government officials at the Hathazari Upazila Office, he described the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a sensitive yet promising region with vast potential. He said joint efforts by all stakeholders would be key to turning the area into a major tourist attraction.
The state minister said the government is working to build a prosperous Bangladesh by ensuring peaceful coexistence between people of the hills and the plains. He expressed hope that noticeable improvements would be seen within five years through better roads, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s slogan “Bangladesh First,” Helal Uddin said development work must be guided by national interest.
He also addressed local issues in Hathazari, saying the government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance against crime. Illegal occupation of government land and canals will be dealt with firmly, he said, adding that steps would be taken to restore canals to support agriculture.
On traffic problems, the minister said both short-term and long-term measures are being planned with the administration and law enforcement agencies to reduce congestion in key areas, including the bus stand, Chowdhuryhat, Baradighi Par and Oxygen.
Helal Uddin stressed that development activities would be carried out without political bias. He said no discrimination would be allowed on the basis of religion, caste or class, and that balanced development would be ensured by identifying poor and low-income families.
The meeting was chaired by Hathazari Upazila Executive Officer Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, with officials from the administration, police and other departments in attendance.
Later, the state minister distributed prizes among winners of competitions held to mark Ekushey February. Earlier in the day, he joined Amar Ekushey programmes organised by local BNP leaders and paid tribute to the Language Movement martyrs at the Shaheed Minar.
During his first visit to Hathazari after assuming office, Helal Uddin thanked residents for their warm welcome and said he hoped to serve the people in building a peaceful and prosperous Chittagong Hill Tracts.
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