Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has called for a united Bangladesh built on equality, mutual respect and the collective participation of all ethnic communities.
“There should be no distinction between people living in the hills and those on the plains. Bangladesh’s diverse ethnic identities, history, heritage and vibrant cultures are among the greatest strengths of our national identity,” he said.
The minister made the remarks yesterday while inaugurating a cultural programme marking Maha Wa Gwai Poi, one of the most significant traditional religious and social festivals of the Marma community and other Buddhist indigenous groups living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, particularly in Bandarban.
The Bandarban Municipality Festival Celebration Committee organised the event.
Emphasising the importance of national unity, Nitai Roy said the hills and plains must not be viewed as separate entities, as all communities are integral to Bangladesh.
He stressed that no discrimination should arise based on ethnicity, religion, race, profession, or place of residence.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to equal rights and dignity for all citizens, the minister said the aim was to strengthen the spirit of a shared Bangladeshi national identity by bridging the divide between the hills and the plains.
Under the fundamental principles of the Constitution, he noted, all citizens are equal before the law and have the right to live with dignity and self-respect.
Speaking as a special guest, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue said the government was committed to ensuring peace, communal harmony, inclusive development and peaceful coexistence among all communities in the hill districts.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was deeply committed to protecting the languages and cultures of ethnic communities across the country while ensuring access to modern education and an improved quality of life.
Sa Ching Prue added that realising the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Rainbow Nation”-founded on equal rights, fraternity and social harmony regardless of religion, race or ethnic identity-would require the active participation of all citizens.
“The government is working towards achieving this goal,” he said.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister also announced plans for a major programme in the hill districts in December-January to promote the concept of a “Rainbow Nation” and further strengthen harmony between communities in the hills and the plains.
He said the programme would form part of broader efforts to foster mutual understanding, equality and peaceful coexistence among Bangladesh’s diverse ethnic groups.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam also attended the event as a special guest.
