Wagga, Rangamati, April 26, 2024 – The Bangladesh Tanchangya Welfare Organization (BTWO) hosted its pivotal General Conference and Council yesterday at the Wagga High School Compound, Kaptai Upazila, Rangamati, marking a significant step towards enhancing community welfare and cultural preservation of the Tanchangya people. The event was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Kujendra Lal Tripura, MP of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, who attended as the chief guest, and Dipankar Talukdar, MP of Rangamati District, who served as the inaugurator.
Special guests at the event included Jarati Tanchangya, Reserved MP for Women of Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Mr. Aungsuipru Chaudhuri, Chairman of Rangamati Zila Parishad, among other dignitaries who have been instrumental in Tanchangya community affairs.
The conference commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the Bangladesh national flag, followed by the enchanting rendition of a traditional Tanchangya song, setting a tone of unity and cultural reverence. The event was a gathering and vibrant celebration of Tanchangya heritage, with discussions centred around safeguarding their culture and consolidating efforts across various Tanchangya Kalyan Sangsta regional units.
The gathering was significant due to the elections to appoint new leadership within the BTWO. Mr. Diptimoy Talukdar was elected President, Mrinal Kanti Tanchangya was the General Secretary, and Najib Kumar Tanchangya was the Organizing Secretary. These leaders are poised to spearhead initiatives that will foster the development and growth of the Tanchangya community.
The Ad hoc Central Committee of BTWO appointed the Debtachhari Region of the Bangladesh Tanchangya Welfare Organization to host the General Conference and Council. However, all 12 regional committees contributed to executing the Conference and Council of BTWO. The 12 regional committees are spread across Rangamati, Bandarban, and Cox’s Bazar districts. They are: (1) Rangamati Sadar Region (2) Debtachhari-Raisyabili Region (3) Kaptai Region (4) Bilaichhari Region (5) Farua Region (6) Rajasthali Region (7) Rajbila Region (8) Bandarban Region (9) Roangchhari Region (10) Alikadam Region (11) Nakhyongchhari Region (12) Cox’s Bazar Region.
The Ad hoc BTWO gave the responsibility to the Debtachhari-Raisyabili Regional Committee of the BTWO, which extended heartfelt thanks to all who supported the event physically, mentally, and financially. Special acknowledgement was given to the youth and students from local villages such as North Debatchari, Dakshin Debatchari, and others, whose tireless volunteer efforts were crucial in the smooth execution of the conference. As the event concluded, a vote of thanks was given, recognising the invaluable contributions of attendees from all 12 regions within the Rangamati and Bandarban districts. The BTWO expressed optimism that the solid foundation of cooperation during this conference will continue to strengthen in future endeavours, propelling the Tanchangya community towards greater heights of development and cultural preservation.
Note: Credit goes to the original owners of these photos, which the editors collected from Chandra Sen Tanchangya and Milinda Tanchangya.
Tongchangya World 