Rangamati, Sept 13 (V7N) – Ambassador (Retd.) Suprodip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, has emphasized that the longstanding land disputes in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) must be resolved through dialogue and inclusive discussions with all stakeholders.

Speaking as chief guest at a workshop on digitization of land management in hill districts, organized by the district administration on Saturday morning, he said that many countries already operate under master plans for land management, clearly specifying land use and restrictions. Bangladesh, however, has yet to implement such a comprehensive plan. He noted that the government is now working to address these issues through digitization, aiming to simplify and modernize land management.

The workshop, held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, was presided over by Acting Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, Mohammad Nurullah Nuri. It was attended by Land Ministry Senior Secretary A.S.M. Saleh Ahmed, Chairman of the CHT Development Board Major General (Retd.) Anup Kumar Chakma, Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Agriculturist Kajal Talukder, Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Shefalika Tripura, deputy commissioners of the three hill districts, headmen, karbaris, journalists, and other officials.

In his address, Suprodip Chakma further urged the authorities to ensure the upcoming Durga Puja of the Sanatan community and the Kathin Chibor Dan, a major Buddhist religious festival, are celebrated in a safe and festive environment. He instructed the district and police administrations to take effective measures for smooth observance of these events.

The workshop also featured a video presentation on key initiatives of the Land Ministry, delivered by Additional Secretary Emdadul Haque Chowdhury. Participants discussed the current challenges of land management in the hill districts and the government’s initiatives to bring the system under digitization.

Following the workshop, a separate meeting was held with the circle chiefs, district council chairmen, deputy commissioners, headmen, and karbaris to further deliberate on land-related issues in the region.

END/AMR/SMA/