CHT to be turned into world class ecotourism destination

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 21 (UNB): State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin on Saturday expressed his firm commitment to develop the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) into a world-class ecotourism destination.

He said the Chittagong Hill Tracts is an important and sensitive region of Bangladesh with huge potential in natural resources and scenic beauty.

"Working together with all, we will turn this region into a world-class tourist destination," he said at an introductory and coordination meeting with government officials at the Hathazari Upazila Office in the afternoon.

The state minister said the government is committed to building a prosperous Bangladesh by ensuring peaceful coexistence between people of the hills and the plains.

He expressed hope that visible changes would be brought to the Chittagong Hill Tracts within the next five years by improving communication, healthcare, education and other basic services.

Referring to the slogan 'Sobar Agey Bangladesh' (Bangladesh First) of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said everyone must work with this spirit.

Emphasising the need to solve local problems in Hathazari, Helal said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against crime. "No one will be spared. Immediate legal steps will be taken to free government land and canals from illegal occupation," he said.