Dhaka, May 4, 2026:
Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin MP has said that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is highly committed to improving the living standards and socio-economic conditions of people in the hill tracts, while addressing climate change-related risks.
He made the remarks while speaking as a special guest at a day-long seminar titled “Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-CAS)”, organized by the ICIMOD at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Dhaka on Monday.
The State Minister said the government envisions a “rainbow nation” built on inclusiveness, diversity, and unity, where no citizen is left behind due to religion, ethnicity, or political belief. He emphasized that sustainable transformation of people’s lives remains a core priority of the government.
He further noted that climate change has significantly altered rainfall patterns and prolonged drought conditions, making it essential to prioritize agricultural biodiversity conservation and renewable energy development. According to him, these measures are timely and necessary to address emerging environmental challenges.
Barrister Mir Helal also highlighted the government’s long-term vision for the Chattogram Hill Tracts, stating that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aims to preserve ecological balance in the region while ensuring modern civic amenities for all residents. He added that reducing disparities in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in remote hill areas remains a key policy focus.
He assured that the government will extend maximum support to any positive initiatives—both domestic and international—aimed at improving livelihoods in the hill regions.
The seminar was attended by Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan as chief guest. Other speakers included senior officials from the ministry, ICIMOD project coordinators, development experts, and representatives from regional councils and hill district institutions.
Senior officials from the ministry, Chattogram Hill Tracts Regional Council, Hill District Councils of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, as well as development board representatives, were also present at the event.
