RANGAMATI, Mar 4: A views-exchange meeting was held between journalists working in Rangamati and the minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts affairs.
Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said the current government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" against corruption, warning that no irregularities or graft will be tolerated.
"We do not consider ourselves rulers of the people; rather, we see ourselves as servants of the people," he said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday (March 4) morning while addressing a meeting with local journalists at the Rangamati Hill District Council auditorium.
Issuing a stern warning against corruption, the minister said Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party , has conveyed a clear message that ensuring services for the people is the government's foremost responsibility.
He said directives have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure that the benefits of development in the hill tracts reach ordinary people.
Officials found to be involved in corruption will face swift investigations and strict legal action, he added.
The minister also said development activities would be accelerated on the basis of equality, without discrimination, ensuring area-based initiatives across the region.
Highlighting the overall situation in the hill tracts, he said maintaining communal harmony is crucial to preserving peace and stability in the region.
"The government's goal is to build a discrimination-free and prosperous hill region, involving all communities-both hill and Bengali alike," he said.
Among others present at the meeting were Kankan Chakma, Joint Secretary of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry; Dipon Talukder Dipu, President of Rangamati district BNP; former mayor Saiful Islam Bhutto; Vice-President of the district BNP, Saiful Islam Panir; Mamunur Rashid, General Secretary of the district BNP; and journalists working in the district.
