Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud yesterday put emphasize on accelerating the country’s economic development utilizing the potentials of tourism in Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).
The minister made the suggestion while addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Parbotya Mela’ at Sheikh Hasina Parbotya Complex at city’s Baily Road.
CHT Affairs Minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing presided over the function while Basanti Chakma, MP, secretary of the ministry (CHT) Hamida Begum, former secretary Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, Chattogram Hill Tract Development Board chairman Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Bandarban Hill District Council chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla and Rangamati Hill District Council chairman Aungswi Pru Chowdhury, among others, addressed it as special guests.
Hasan said the culture of the CHT has diversity and the natural beauty there is breathtaking. “Once, many tourists used to visit those areas. Currently, the number has reduced. But, the country and the economy as well will be benefitted if the potentials of tourism of the region could be utilized,” he added.
He said the people of the region (CHT) were repressed during the tenures of Ziaur Rahman and Ershad. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken the region to the path of peace and development through the ‘Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord’, added Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.
The minister said extensive development has taken place in every area of the country, including the CHT region, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. So, in order to maintain the trend of development in the region (CHT), the continuity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is a must, he added.
