Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan speak as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with officials of the Rangamati Hill District Council at the council’s auditorium. Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, Mar 3, 2026 (BSS) – Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan issued a stern warning against hill cutting, saying construction of any resort or tourist centre by destroying the environment or cutting hills will not be tolerated in any way. 

The government does not support the expansion of the tourism industry by damaging the natural beauty of the hills, he said, adding that the goal should be to develop environment-friendly or “eco-tourism” while protecting the hill environment.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with officials of the Rangamati Hill District Council at the council’s auditorium,  said a PID release.

Mentioning that the government’s main priorities at present are the health and education sectors, he said that necessary infrastructure development has already been carried out to a large extent, but work will continue where it is absolutely essential. 

Urging all departments to work in a coordinated manner, he said lack of coordination among departments is often observed, which slows down progress. Therefore, maintaining coordination with the Hill District Council in every development activity and ensuring regular monitoring are essential.

Regarding project implementation, the minister said there will no longer be any scope for wasting money by merely taking up projects in the name of development. 

Projects should not be undertaken where there is no necessity, he added, stressing the need for ensuring proper supervision of every work. 

He further said the development of a district is reflected through the activities of the District Council, so no irregularity in the name of service will be tolerated.

Officials present at the meeting highlighted the geographical features and remoteness of the hill region. They said transport and labour costs in the hills are much higher compared to the plains, so it is not reasonable to keep the tender schedule rate the same as in the plains. 

They sought high-level government intervention in this regard and requested the minister’s special cooperation in the development of fisheries resources in Kaptai Lake as well as in eco-tourism, education and communication sectors.

With Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Agriculturist Kajal Talukder in the chair, officials concerned were joined the meeting.