Bangladesh and Canada have expressed interest in strengthening cooperation to promote eco-tourism and sustainable development in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), with a focus on climate resilience and community empowerment.

The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan and a Canadian delegation led by Ajit Singh at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka.

Speaking at the meeting, Dewan highlighted the untapped potential of the CHT region for eco-tourism, noting that Bangladesh and Canada could collaborate in developing environmentally sustainable tourism infrastructure while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. He also underscored the importance of joint efforts in addressing climate change risks, which continue to affect the ecologically sensitive hill tracts.

According to BSS, the minister said that communities of diverse ethnic backgrounds in the CHT are living in harmony and equality, adding that the government is working to extend essential civic services to remote and underserved areas. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the national economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Dewan also praised Canada as a longstanding development partner, expressing optimism that cooperation would expand further in areas such as environmental protection, afforestation, education, healthcare, sanitation, and employment generation. He emphasized the need for enhanced bilateral engagement in promoting good governance, modernizing the tourism sector, addressing climate challenges, and empowering women in the region.

High Commissioner Singh commended Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress and reiterated Canada’s continued support for development initiatives in the CHT.

Other officials present at the meeting included Political Counselor Marcus Davis, First Secretary Joseph McIntosh, Development Advisor Farzana Sultana, along with senior officials from the CHT Affairs Ministry.

The meeting signals a renewed push to leverage international partnerships in unlocking the eco-tourism potential of the CHT while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.

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