Chittagong Hill Tracts  CHT Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue has called for coordinated efforts by political leaders, businesspeople, government and private-sector officials, and professional organisations to transform Bandarban into a clean and tourist-friendly city.

“Bandarban town is small, but it is a city of exquisite beauty. Through concerted efforts, we want to develop it as a clean and tourist-friendly city,” he said.

The minister made the remarks as chief guest at a stakeholder exchange meeting held at the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s Office on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026.

The meeting focused on tourism development, maintaining discipline in the town and improving the environment, ecosystem and quality of life along the Sangu River.

Prue called for stronger security measures to ensure safe and hassle-free visits for both domestic and foreign tourists during the tourism season. He also urged the authorities to take steps to ease traffic congestion and called on local residents to treat visitors with courtesy and hospitality.

Emphasising cleanliness as a shared responsibility, the minister said efforts to keep the town clean must begin at the individual level, supported by clear accountability and effective coordination among relevant agencies and stakeholders.

He also highlighted the potential of modern technologies to boost hill agriculture, particularly coffee and cashew cultivation. He directed officials to encourage farmers to adopt improved technologies and practices to increase production and income.

The minister stressed the need to promote environment-friendly technologies for conserving rainwater as well as water from streams, rivers and lakes to help address recurring water shortages in the hill areas.

He also urged development organisations to strengthen their role in improving the livelihoods and overall welfare of marginalised communities in the region.