Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapan announced that the government will continue to follow an equal rights-based state policy, as stated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after his return to the country. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at the CHT Welfare Society’s reunion discussion on Biju, Baisuk, Sangrai, Bishu, and Changkran festivals held at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex in Dhaka.

The minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s linguistic, religious, gender, and ethnic diversity should be transformed into a national asset rather than a source of division. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had resolved post-independence identity confusion through the concept of “Bangladeshi nationalism,” ensuring equal dignity for all citizens. Swapan also called for special facilities and quota systems to integrate marginalized ethnic groups into the mainstream, noting that such measures are essential for national unity.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan expressed gratitude to the hill people for electing BNP-nominated candidates in all three constituencies and pledged to work under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership for lasting peace and development in the region.