Hill festivals to be celebrated by individual names: CHT minister

Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Dipen Dewan, MP, has announced that traditional social festivals in the hill regions will henceforth be observed under their original individual names, rather than the collective term “Baisabi.”

He made the announcement on Sunday as the chief guest at a colorful rally and discussion program held in the capital to mark the traditional festivals of CHT.

The rally began at CHT Complex on Bailey Road and concluded at Ramna Park Lake, where participants offered “Biju flowers” as part of the celebration.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dipen Dewan said the use of the umbrella term “Baisabi” had previously created a sense of disparity among different communities in the CHT. 

He added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is committed to ensuring zero discrimination. 

He said each community will now be able to celebrate its festivals under its own cultural identity and traditional names.

The minister emphasized that festivals such as Biju, Sangrai, Baisu, Bishu, Changkran and Changlan will receive equal state recognition and respect. 

He added that the goal is to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh where no division exists between the people of the hills and the plains.

Special guest State Minister for Land and CHT Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, MP, highlighted the importance of national unity. He said that reflecting the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism pioneered by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed commitment to building a “rainbow nation.” 

He added that the rally reflects harmony and unity among different communities.

Officials from Ministry of CHT Affairs, including Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and Additional Secretary Md. Monirul Islam, were present at the event, along with other senior and junior officials. 

A large number of people from various CHT communities living in Dhaka joined the rally in traditional attire.

The program concluded with a prayer session and the symbolic floating of flowers on Ramna Lake, marking hopes for peace and harmony in the New Year.

SH