Tribal fair begins at Rangamati

Prof Anisuzzaman of Dhaka University inaugurated the fair by lighting a mongol prodip ( traditional ceremonial lighting of candle).

The inaugural function, marked with colours and festivities and attended by representatives of all tribes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, was attended by dignitaries including Prothom Alo Editor Motiur Rahman, cultural activist Mamunur Rashid, economist Swapon Adnan, indigenous leader Sanjeeb Drong, former Anthropology teacher at Jahngirnagar University Prosanta Tripura and Chakma Circle Chief Raja (King) Devashish Roy.

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It was presided over by JAC President Jhimit Jhimit Chakma.

The fair, held annually since 1998, will highlight distinctive tribal culture and heritage and try to evolve ways to protect those. All the 11ethninc groups in the CHT participate in the fair.

The programmes include a series of dram festivals and a roundtable discussion on ways to protect the culture in the CHT, sponsored by daily Prothom Alo.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Anisuzzaman said the distinctive tribal culture and heritage is not only an asset for the people of CHT but for the whole nation.