Dhaka, Ottawa can work together to promote eco-tourism: Dipen Dewan
The minister said there are opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in ensuring sustainable development in the CHT region and addressing climate change risks
ATT Desk Report
Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said there is significant scope for Bangladesh and Canada to work jointly to promote eco-tourism. He added that there are also opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in ensuring sustainable development in the Chattogram Hill Tracts region and addressing climate change risks.
He made the remarks when a four-member delegation led by Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, met him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, reports BSS.
During the meeting, Dipen Dewan, MP, said people of all ethnic communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts are living in harmony and equality. The present government is working tirelessly to ensure that all civic services reach the remote areas of the region. In particular, he said, the government is committed to further strengthening Bangladesh’s economy under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The minister praised the longstanding support of the Canadian government in the development of the hill region, saying Canada has always stood by Bangladesh as a sincere friend. He expressed hope that Canada would further expand its cooperation in environmental protection, afforestation, quality education, healthcare, sanitation and job creation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
During the discussion, Dipen Dewan emphasised the importance of joint partnership between the two countries in establishing good governance, modernising the tourism industry, addressing climate change challenges and promoting women’s empowerment.
High Commissioner Ajit Singh lauded Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress and assured continued support for the development of the hill region.
The delegation also included Political Counsellor Marcus Davis, First Secretary (Development) Joseph McIntosh and Development Adviser Farzana Sultana from the Canadian High Commission.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Md Monirul Islam, Joint Secretaries Mohammad Mominur Rahman and Kazi Tofayel Hossain, and the minister’s Private Secretary (Deputy Secretary) Rabindra Chakma.
