State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin spoke at a function held at Raja's Field in Bandarban on Friday on the occasion of "Janmashtami Festival-2026". Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Sept 5, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin has called for building the Chattogram Hill Tracts through bonds of harmony and communal amity while ensuring equal rights for all in a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

"The present government is working relentlessly to create a discrimination-free environment in the country and ensure equal rights for all. The government's efforts to improve the living standards of disadvantaged people in society will continue," he added.

The state minister made the call while addressing a function held at Raja's Field in Bandarban on Friday on the occasion of "Janmashtami Festival-2026" as the chief guest.

On maintaining social peace in the country, Mir Helal said various religious rumours had been spread in the past with the aim of creating instability, but the government had dealt with them efficiently. No untoward incident occurred as foolproof security was ensured at puja mandaps, he added.

Emphasising religious and humanitarian harmony, the state minister further said, "Our biggest identity is that we are human beings. Our journey should not be based on tribes but on nationality. We all want to move forward as Bangladeshis. We are the best of creation, and all of us should help one another so that peace, harmony and amity can be maintained in society."

Everyone must come forward to build a peaceful Chattogram Hill Tracts by maintaining this tradition of harmony, he added.

The function was chaired by Bandarban Central Janmashtami Celebration Council President Rittal Kanti Biswas. Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Mamyaching, Superintendent of Police Md Wahabul Islam Khandakar, and local religious personalities and leaders were present.