Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Minister Dipen Dewan today spoke at a press conference held at the conference room of his ministry at the Secretariat. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 09, 2026 (BSS) - Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Minister Dipen Dewan today urged each community to celebrate their festivals in their own unique style.

He made the call at a press conference held at the conference room of his ministry at the Secretariat here.

The press conference was organized on the occasion of the festivals of the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Biju, Sangrai, Baisu, Bishu, Changkran, and Changlan.

Dipen said the unique culture and traditions of each community in the hilly region are an integral part of the national heritage.

He said, “We will celebrate these social festivals in the unique customs of each community. We do not want any kind of discrimination in such traditional festivals. The main message of this festival of 11 communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is peace and harmony. Our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants people of all classes, professions, and communities to carry out their respective social rituals and ceremonies without any hindrance, giving equal importance,” he added.

The minister said the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister is working tirelessly to protect and develop the uniqueness of the people of the hilly region.

Mentioning the festival schedule, Dipen said that gratitude to nature will be expressed through Flower Biju/Baisu on April 12, the main festival will be celebrated by cooking ‘Pajan’ at home on April 13, and the New Year will be welcomed on April 14 with Jalkeli and blessings.

CHT State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants all festivals to have a mixture of seven colours. “Our tradition is our strength. These festivals are not just events; they are our roots and identity. The main goal of our government is to protect the uniqueness of the hilly people and keep them involved in the mainstream of development,” he added.

A colourful rally and flower immersion festival has been organized from the ‘Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex’ on Bailey Road in the capital to Ramna Park lake on April 12, 2026.

The procession will start at 8:30 am.

Saching Pru, MP, and Ministry Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, among others, were present at the press conference.