No discrimination, says UNDP representative

"Of course we will take equal steps in selecting development projects and staff employment", he said at a meeting in Bandarban on Monday. Earlier, he visited Khagrachhari on July 9 and Rangamati on July 10.

His visit followed demands by the Somo Odhikar Andolon and Parbatya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad, two organisations of Bangalees in the CHT, for equal treatment of Bangalees and indigenous people in selecting development projects and staff recruitment in the CHT.

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Lissner however said the UNDP seeks to implement development projects for indigenous people first because they are more vulnerable group. For Bangalee communities, more projects will follow.

He said 32 Bangalee inhabited villages have already been included in the first phase of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Programme (CHTDP).

In Bandarban, Lissner talked to Ma Mey Ching, Chairperson of Bandarban Hill District Council (BHDC) at her office, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Seikh Alauddin and representatives of various occupations.

He also had a meeting with representatives of Bangalee communities, held at the conference room of Bandarban Parjaton Motel.

Bandarban Municipality Chairman Mizanur Rahaman Biplob, Somo Adhikar Andolan President Prof M Osman Gani, district Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Abdus Salam Azad and BNP leaders Kazi Mahatul Hossain and Abdul Mabud, among others, attended the meeting.

Earlier, Lissner held talks with chairmen of Khagrachari and Rangamati Hill District Councils (HDC), Deputy Commissioners (DC) and representatives of various professional groups in the districts.

CHTDP Project Director Micheel Heyn and Senior Programme Co-ordinator Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan were also present at the meetings.

"Bangalee people will understand our motto when the second phase will begin,'' Micheel Heyn told a meeting in Bandarban.

Dr. Niaz along with Maj Genl (Rtd) Mainul Hossain, Senior Advisor of UNDP, also visited Chittagong Hill Tracts last month.

Meeting sources said talks with the top UNDP officials were very fruitful and they freely exchanged views with them.

They said they are expecting improvement in the overall project planning for development works in the CHT.