Political and social consensus is essential for peace in the hills, State Minister Mir Helal says in Chattogram
State Minister of the Ministry of Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has placed special emphasis on building political and social consensus, regardless of party or opinion, to resolve the ongoing unrest and conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He said that to restore long-term peace and stability in the hills, all local stakeholders must work together alongside the government.
He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a programme held at Chattogram Circuit House at noon on Wednesday (28 October).
The programme, jointly organised by the Chattogram district administration and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) under the theme 'Safe road, prosperous country, Bangladesh before all', was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Jahidul Islam Mia.
Expressing concern over the recent situation in the hill region, the state minister said keeping the lives of the hill people normal and maintaining lasting peace there is one of the current government's main priorities. Any kind of unrest and conflict continuing in the hills is an obstacle to the country's overall development and harmony, he noted.
He said the problems of the hill region were not created suddenly today; there are long-standing complexities behind them. However, the current government is not in favour of any kind of bloodshed or conflict. The relevant ministries and law-enforcement agencies are working very sincerely, under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to establish peace in the hills, he said.
Barrister Mir Helal said an inclusive and safe society must be built with people of all communities, both hill people and Bengalis. No problem can be solved by excluding one side or through violence.
Calling on local public representatives, headmen, karbaris and leaders of various social organisations to play a stronger role, he said mutual distrust must be removed and an environment of dialogue and goodwill created.
He said criminals who endanger the lives and property of ordinary people will be given no leniency, whether in the hills or the plains. Operations by law-enforcement agencies against illegal armed holders and those involved in terrorist activities in the hills will be further strengthened, he said.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali, Additional Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Chattogram Mohammad Abdul Halim, Additional DIG of Chattogram Range Md Nazimul Haque and Chattogram District Superintendent of Police Md Masud Alam were present at the programme as special guests.
