CHT minister vows to build drug-free, unemployment-free Bandarban

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue has pledged to ensure balanced development, expand employment opportunities and build a drug-free, unemployment-free Bandarban, calling on Jubo Dal leaders and activists to work together towards these goals.

He made the remarks on Friday while addressing a youth rally as the chief guest at the Press Club premises in Bandarban on the occasion of the 48th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, according to a PID press release.

The rally was organised by Bandarban District Jubo Dal following a procession marking the anniversary.

The minister said drug abuse was becoming an increasingly serious problem across the country and had turned into a national concern.

Although Cox's Bazar had been identified as a major route for drug trafficking, its harmful effects were also being felt in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, particularly in Naikhongchhari, Alikadam and Thanchi, he said.

Calling for unity among Jubo Dal leaders and activists, he urged them to work towards building a drug-free Bangladesh and Bandarban.

Outlining his development vision for the district, Sa Ching Prue said balanced development of the CHT should be pursued through practical planning rather than emotion, while maintaining the bonds of friendship and harmony among communities.

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He said employment opportunities would be created across Bandarban by involving people regardless of their political affiliations or opinions.

"By adopting specific and coordinated plans, we want to build a completely unemployment-free Bandarban," he said.

Bandarban District Jubo Dal President Zahir Uddin Masum presided over the rally, while its General Secretary Md Ariful Islam Chowdhury moderated the programme.

A large number of leaders and activists of the Bandarban unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate organisations attended the event.