Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke while inaugurating the two-day 'Indigenous Food and Crops Fair-2025' at the Parbatya Buddho Sanggho Complex in the city's Mirpur-13 area this morning. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 21, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the urgent need to safeguard hilly landscapes and strengthen the promotion of indigenous agricultural products from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

"Unchecked hill-cutting and wetland encroachment are aggravating the country's environmental risks. The danger does not come from high-rises alone, but from filling wetlands, cutting hills and supplying soil to brick kilns. These practices must stop to protect nature and preserve ecosystems," she said.

Rizwana made the remarks while inaugurating the two-day 'Indigenous Food and Crops Fair-2025' at the Parbatya Buddho Sanggho Complex in the city's Mirpur-13 area this morning.

Warning of the increasing fragility of natural ecosystems, she urged all to abide by state laws and religious guidance on environmental preservation. 

She stressed that indigenous food traditions must be protected, noting that hill foods should not be reduced to temporary trends. "These foods are part of our heritage and must be nurtured as heritage," she added.

The adviser suggested establishing dedicated marketing centres in divisional cities to ensure fair prices for indigenous farmers. Proper promotion of local products, she said, can support livelihoods while preserving cultural identity.

"Without our ethnic groups and their heritage, Bangladesh would be far less vibrant," she said, acknowledging the contribution of ethnic communities in enriching national culture and promoting safe food despite challenges.

Rizwana also expressed concern over recent attacks on vehicles and obstruction of joint security operations in the hills, terming them signs of growing lawlessness. 

"A section of people believes they are above the law. We must dismantle this culture," she said, warning that criminal activities in the CHT will be dealt with strictly to maintain harmony and advance national development.

Organised jointly by Nagorik Udyog and Adibasi Suhrider, the fair showcases a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains native to the CHT and cultivated by ethnic communities. 

Traditional foods including Mundi, Lakshu, Binni Chaler Pitha, Kabab, mushroom-based dishes and locally flavoured tea are also on display.

A cultural evening featuring performances by local artistes has been scheduled as part of the event.

BSS/ASG/AHT/OGR/1442 hrs