Staff Correspondent

To bring the fresh flavors of organic fruits, unique agricultural heritage, and the rich cultural diversity of the hills closer to urban consumers, a three-day "Hill Fruit Fair 2026" (Pahajari Fal Mela) is set to begin in the capital city on June 27.

Organized under the management of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, the fair will run until June 29 at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex premises on Bailey Road. This year's exhibition will be held under the theme, "Fragrance of Hill Fruits, Diverse Life."

Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, MP, the honorable State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, will officially inaugurate the festival as the chief guest on Saturday, June 27, at 10:00 AM. The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

A distinguished panel of special guests will attend the event, including Dipen Dewan, MP (Rangamati hill district); Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, MP (Khagrachhari hill district); Saching Prue, MP (Bandarban hill district); and Mrs. Madhabi Marma, MP from the reserved women's seat.

A total of 30 specialized stalls representing the three hill districts—Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati—will participate in the fair. Visitors and city dwellers will have the opportunity to taste and purchase a wide variety of chemical-free, fresh seasonal fruits, ranging from popular picks like mangoes, pineapples, jackfruits, and bananas to rare wild delicacies such as blood fruit (Rosko), rambutan, and wild bael (bunobel). Beyond fruits, the fair will offer a close look at the authentic lifestyles of the hill tracts people, showcasing traditional handicrafts and indigenous waist-loom weaving.

The organizers emphasized that the fair aims to serve as more than a marketplace; it is designed to build a sustainable bridge between urban consumers and marginal farmers from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, effectively expanding the market for their organic produce. They noted that the event will provide an integrated educational and cultural experience for city residents.

As a special highlight, local artists belonging to various ethnic communities from the three hill districts will perform traditional cultural programs every evening. The local administration has already completed all necessary logistical and security preparations to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.

The fair will remain completely open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and the authorities have extended a warm invitation to everyone to join this festive celebration of hill fruits and heritage.