Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the people of different ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) on the occasion of traditional festivals, including Biju, Sangrai, Baisu and Changkran.
In a message on Saturday, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt greetings and congratulations to members of various ethnic groups celebrating their traditional social festivals alongside the Bengali New Year and Chaitra Sankranti. He also extended warm wishes for the Bengali New Year.
“The religious and social festivals of all communities, regardless of religion, caste or ethnicity, whether living in the hills or the plains, are an integral part of the nation’s collective festivals,” he said.
He expressed hope that the celebrations would bring peace and happiness to national life.
The Prime Minister said the traditions, culture, heritage and history of the ethnic groups in the hill regions form an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s national identity. He added that they enrich the country’s heritage with diversity, glory and beauty.
“The message of harmony and unity among people is deeply embedded in our folk traditions,” he said.
He further said the spirit of coexistence and harmony remains rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. He added that communal harmony in Bangladesh has strengthened the nation’s image internationally.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said, “We are firmly committed to ensuring equal progress, development, security and the protection of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution for all citizens, including members of various small ethnic communities in the country.”
He added that every citizen, whether living in the hills or the plains, holds equal rights as a Bangladeshi.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the traditional festivals of ethnic communities, along with the Bengali New Year, would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all.
