CHT to be developed as world-class eco-tourism destination: Mir Helal

State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has expressed the government’s commitment to transforming the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) into a world-class eco-tourism destination, highlighting the region’s vast natural beauty and strategic importance.

Speaking on Saturday at a coordination meeting with government officials at Hathazari upazila office in Chattogram, the state minister said that Chittagong Hill Tracts is a significant and sensitive region with immense natural potential. 

“With collective efforts, we will develop this area into a global-standard tourist destination,” he said.

Mir Helal added that the government is determined to ensure harmonious coexistence between hill and plain communities to build a prosperous Bangladesh. He expressed hope that within the next five years, visible improvements would be made in communication, healthcare, education and other basic services across the region.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s concept of “Bangladesh First,” the state minister urged all to work together under that vision. 

He stressed a zero-tolerance stance against crime, saying no leniency would be shown. Legal action will be taken to recover illegally occupied government land and canals, he said, adding that restoring canal navigability would benefit farmers.

Addressing local issues in Hathazari, he said both immediate and long-term measures are being planned in coordination with the administration and law enforcement agencies to ease traffic congestion from the bus stand to Chowdhuryhat, Borodighir Par and Oxygen areas.

Pledging to work for all regardless of political affiliation, religion or class, Mir Helal said the government would not allow political divisions to hinder development activities. 

He also assured that lists of poor and low-income residents would be prepared to ensure balanced and inclusive development in Hathazari.

The meeting was chaired by Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin and attended by officials from the upazila administration, police and various government and non-government offices. 

The state minister also distributed prizes among winners of events organised to mark International Mother Language Day.

Earlier, during his first visit to Hathazari after assuming office, Mir Helal joined programmes organised by local BNP unit marking Amar Ekushey and paid tribute to the Language Martyrs by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. 

Addressing a large gathering, he described Bangladesh as a “rainbow nation” and reiterated his commitment to building a more developed and prosperous Chittagong Hill Tracts.

SH