Rangamati Correspondent

State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, MP, on Friday expressed optimism that inspired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the country's youth will bring greater laurels in the international sports arena in the near future.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the "Sylhet and Chattogram Divisional Talent Hunt and Sports Competition 2026" at the Ching Hla Mong Mari Stadium in Rangamati, the state minister described the Special Olympics not merely as a sporting event, but as a unique platform for fostering equality, harmony, self-confidence, and latent talent. Wishing the regional tournament overall success, he noted that sports provide athletes with special needs an opportunity to prove their capabilities.

Addressing overall development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Mir Helal said the government is working relentlessly to consolidate lasting peace, security, and communal harmony across the three hill districts—Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban—by ensuring equal opportunities for people from all walks of life. Regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity, efforts are underway to improve living standards and integrate marginalized communities into the mainstream, he added.

Highlighting the government's guiding philosophy of "peace through development, security through development, and harmony through development," the state minister voiced strong confidence that the harmonious communities of the hill tracts will play a pioneering role in building a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

Organized in collaboration with the Special Olympics Bangladesh Rangamati Sub-Chapter, the competition features special athletes from various districts of Sylhet and Chattogram divisions.

Presided over by Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman and Special Olympics Bangladesh Rangamati Sub-Chapter President Dipan Talukder, the inaugural session was attended by 305 Infantry Brigade Region Commander Brigadier General Imtiaz Mahmud, Rangamati Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Tarik Sekandar, and Rangamati District Council member Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun as special guests. Special Olympics Bangladesh Rangamati Sub-Chapter General Secretary Subarna Chakma delivered the welcome address.