France Expected to Continue Support for Development of Chittagong Hill Tracts

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Mr. Sa Ching Prue has expressed hope that France will continue its support for the overall development of Bangladesh, particularly the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a two-member delegation led by French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Mr. Sa Ching Prue said the government is working to ensure that every citizen can live in peace, harmony and friendship, with equitable distribution of resources and without discrimination. He said various initiatives have been taken to improve the lives of hill communities by strengthening the national economy and promoting environmental protection, agriculture, eco-tourism, education, healthcare and employment in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Referring to the diverse communities living in the hill region, the minister said the government is giving special priority to education. Various projects are being implemented to improve the quality of education and bring changes to people’s lives through the use of multimedia technology. The government is also placing special emphasis on coffee and cashew cultivation to bring changes to the agricultural sector.

The meeting also discussed strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and France in several areas, including environmentally friendly eco-tourism, maintaining peace and security in the hill region, balanced development, improving the quality of education, addressing the impacts of climate change, women’s empowerment, ensuring access to safe drinking water and protecting human rights.

France’s Governance and Humanitarian Attaché in Bangladesh Emilie Palahun and Mohammad Rashedul Haque, private secretary and deputy secretary to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister, were also present at the meeting.