Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said it is impossible to develop Bangladesh bypassing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
He made the remark in a message marking on the occasion of 27th anniversary of “CHT Peace Accord” on Monday.
He said: “One-tenth of the area of the country is inhabited by the hilly people. Therefore, it is impossible to develop Bangladesh bypassing the CHT area of the country.”
Various reforms initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of the hilly districts and to expand the tourism industry over there have been taken, involving the local people, chief adviser said, adding: “This will reduce unemployment, accelerate economic development and improve living standards and eliminate social inequality.”
Emphasizing the joint effort to continue the journey of peace, harmony development, and progress, Dr Yunus said: “to continue the journey of peace, harmony, development and progress in the lives of all the residents of the CHT.”
The agreement was signed between the Bangladesh government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) on November 2, 1997. It was a political agreement also known as the Peace Accord.
Professor Yunus said, “I am happy to know that like every year, “CHT Peace Accord Day-2024” is being celebrated. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of the country.”
He said: “The interim government formed through the mass uprising of students, workers and the people of all walks of life is committed to building a new Bangladesh free from discrimination by keeping the bond of communal harmony intact.”
He wishes the overall success of CHT Peace Accord Day-2024.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
