CHT Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan spoke today at the inaugural session of a workshop held at a hotel in the capital. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - CHT Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said the government is actively pursuing balanced development, strengthening climate resilience and empowering local communities.

Speaking at the inaugural workshop of the project titled "Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS)", the minister stressed the importance of protecting nature and biodiversity alongside development efforts.

"With Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's prudent guidance, we aim to establish a discrimination-free society and achieve greater prosperity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts," he said.

The workshop was held at a hotel in the capital and organized under a project funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The initiative is being implemented in Bandarban and Khagrachhari districts.

Highlighting the growing challenges of climate change, Dewan stressed the need to support vulnerable communities, particularly in the Himalayan region, in adapting to its adverse impacts.

He also called upon non-governmental organizations and development partners to complement government efforts, noting that the pilot project in Sualok (Bandarban) and Matiranga (Khagrachhari) would be expanded gradually across the entire Chittagong Hill Tracts upon success.

State Minister for CHT Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin also addressed the event, reaffirming the government's commitment to improving livelihoods and public health in the hill regions.

"The government is working relentlessly to promote climate-resilient agriculture and environmental protection," he said.

He added that the Prime Minister envisions building a "Rainbow Nation" - an inclusive and united Bangladesh free from discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.

The state minister assured full government support for welfare-oriented initiatives and underscored the importance of renewable energy and agricultural biodiversity in adapting to climate change.

Additional Secretary of the ministry Md. Monirul Islam, senior officials, and representatives from Arannayk Foundation and ICIMOD were present at the workshop.