JS passes CHT Development Board Bill

The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) on Wednesday passed the 'Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Bill 2014' aimed at continuing the ongoing socioeconomic development activities in the region. State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing moved the bill in the House for its passage. The bill was passed with voice votes. Earlier, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs RAM Ubaidul Moktadir Chowdhury placed the bill in the House in an amended form. The standing committee sent its report back to the House within the stipulated period after making recommendations on the report. The State Minister introduced the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Bill 2014 in parliament on April 8, 2014, mainly to replace the existing ordinance promulgated in 1976. After passing the bill, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board will establish its office in Rangamati. The bill was passed with the provision of forming a 6-memmebr board with a chairman and a vice chairman. The government would appoint its chairman with priority on the tribal as per the terms and conditions of the board. The Vice Chairman would enjoy the status of a joint secretary while the members of the board would have the status of deputy secretary, according to BSS.