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The government plans to take a “holistic approach” to resolving the longstanding problems in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), State Minister for Land and CHT Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said.
He made the remarks at a meeting at the Rangamati District Administration Office on Wednesday night (September 2).
Helal said law enforcement alone cannot ensure lasting peace in the hills. Education, social development, tourism, employment and better living standards must also be prioritised.
“No change will happen overnight. We are taking measures gradually, and arms and violence will decline over time,” he said.
He stressed that improving livelihoods and creating legitimate income opportunities could reduce people’s involvement in crime and violence.
The state minister also pledged to protect the region’s environment, saying no development project that harms the hills’ natural beauty would be approved.
The meeting discussed expanding e-learning in remote areas, improving transport and accommodation for female students, ensuring fair prices for farmers and strengthening local economic opportunities.
Helal also reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, saying action would be taken where evidence is found, while no one would be harassed based on unsubstantiated allegations.
He said the government wants to work with local administrations, political leaders, elected representatives, journalists and other stakeholders to build a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Chittagong Hill Tracts.