BANDARBAN, April 16, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin has said the government is prioritizing resolution of long-standing land disputes in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) and overall socio-economic development of the region. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting Sualok Residential High School in the district today. The state minister said efforts are underway to improve living standards of local communities through settlement of land issues, alongside development of education, infrastructure and safe drinking water facilities. Recalling the region’s development history, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman first initiated a framework for resolving the CHT problem. He added that Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is continuing efforts to address the region’s challenges. He said Bangladesh is working to promote harmony and inclusiveness, noting that the ethnic and cultural diversity of the CHT reflects national strength. Highlighting traditional festivals such as Biju, Sangrai, Baisu, Bisu, Changkran and Changlan, he said these represent unity in diversity and cultural heritage. During the visit, the state minister attended a cultural programme by students and distributed sports equipment at the school premises. Senior officials, including local lawmaker Saching Prue, CHT Development Board Vice Chairman Sheikh Saleh Ahammed, Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous, Superintendent of Police Md Abdur Rahman and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Marufa Sultana Khan Hiramoni, were present.

MUNSHIGANJ, April 16 (BSS) - The Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection has fined the owners of Maruf Traders and Surakkha Pharmacy total  Taka 10,000 for selling LPG gas cylinders at higher-than-government-fixed prices and for displaying and storing expired medicines for sale. Asif Al Azad, assistant director of the Munshiganj district office of the directorate, with assistance from Upazila Sanitary Inspector Nasrin Sultana  conducted a market monitoring operation in the College Gate area of Srinagar upazila and the Balashur Chourasta area today, concerned office sources said.   During the drive, Shahin Fakir, owner of Maruf Traders was fined Taka 5,000 for selling LPG gas cylinders at prices higher than the government-set rate,  and Al Amin, owner of a pharmacy, was fined Taka 5,000 taka for displaying and storing expired medicines for sale. During the operation, instructions were also given to sell LPG gas cylinders at government-fixed prices and to avoid displaying or storing expired  medicines for sale.