News Flash
DHAKA, April 12, 2026(BSS) - A colorful rally and discussion were held here today marking the traditional festivals of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) including Biju, Sangrai, Baisu, Bishu, Changkran and Changlan.
The rally began at the CHT Complex on Bailey Road and concluded at Ramna Park where participants offered “Biju flowers” as part of the function’s closing ceremony.
The event was attended by the Minister for CHT Affairs Dipen Dewan as the chief guest. State Minister for Land and CHT Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin was present as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, Minister Dipen Dewan said that the previous government’s use of the collective term “Boisabi” had created disparities among different ethnic communities in the Hill Tracts. He said that the present government is committed to eliminating existing inequalities by promoting cultural inclusion.
From now on, each ethnic community will celebrate its festival under its own name, preserving its distinct cultural identity,” he said. “The traditional festivals like Biju, Sangrai, Baisu, Bishu, Changkran and Changlan will get equal recognition at the state level.”
He added that building a discrimination-free Bangladesh is a key goal of the government, stressing that there should be no division between the people of the plains and the hills. “Today’s celebration symbolized the unity between the hill communities and Bengalis,” he noted.
State Minister Helal Uddin said that the government is working toward building a “rainbow nation,” inspired by the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He said the spirit of inclusivity and harmony was reflected in the day’s programme.
Senior officials of the CHT Ministry including its Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and Additional Secretary Md. Monirul Islam were also present, along with the members of various ethnic communities from the three hill districts living in Dhaka.
Participants, dressed in traditional attire, took part in the festivities in a joyful atmosphere. The programme concluded with a symbolic flower-floating ceremony at the Ramna Park.
