Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Dipen Dewan today said there will be no disparity between the plains and the hill regions.

“Balanced development across both the plans and hill areas remains a key goal of the government,” he said while inaugurating a five-day traditional fair and discussion here as the chief guest. 

The programme was organized to mark the Bengali New Year and indigenous cultural festivals such as Biju, Boisabi, Sangrai, Bihu, Changkran, Bisu, Sanglan and Sangrai.

He stated that if the vast region of the CHT lags behind, the country’s overall development will also suffer. “The government aims to ensure equal progress in both the hills and the plains,” he said, adding that strengthening the communal harmony among the different groups would accelerate development in the CHT and in turn, the whole of country.

Dewan further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, all communities both hill people and Bengali settlers must work together for the progress.

The minister also highlighted the cultural unity, mentioning that the festivals once celebrated separately such as Biju are now observed collectively as the traditional festivals of all communities living in the hills.

The event was arranged by the Rangamati Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute, with support from the Rangamati Hill District Council and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. 

The meeting was chaired by Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Kajal Talukder where CHT Development Board Chairman Major General (retd) Anup Kumar Chakma, Rangamati Region Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi and Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib, were present, among others.  

Dewan said the Biju festival fosters interaction among the different communities in the hills and serves as a strong social bond. He praised the natural beauty and hospitality of the region and urged everyone to preserve its cultural heritage.

Prior to the inauguration, a colorful procession started from the Rangamati Government College ground and ended at the institute premises.

The five-day celebration from April 6 to April 10 includes traditional cultural programmes, sports, product exhibitions, drama performances and various stalls.

Meanwhile, festive celebrations have begun across the three hill districts, centered traditional events like Biju, Boisabi and Sangrai. These festivals are celebrated annually during Chaitra Sankranti and the Bengali New Year by different ethnic communities like Chakmas observe Biju, Marmas celebrate Sangrai, Tripuras observe Boisuk, Tanchangyas celebrate Bisu and the Ahmeya community celebrates Bihu.

The main festivities will take place from April 12 to April 14 concluding with the traditional water festival of the Marma community.