Dhaka, June 1: In a surprising turn of events, Dipen Dewan, the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs in Bangladesh, resigned today, citing health issues. However, his supporters argue that his resignation, just three months into his tenure, was due to external pressure rather than health concerns.
According to Bangladeshi media outlet The Daily Star, Dewan’s resignation letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman mentioned several health-related problems that hindered his ability to perform his duties effectively.
Atiqur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s additional press secretary, confirmed the resignation by sharing a copy of the letter with the media. In his letter, Dewan stated that stepping down was necessary to maintain the pace of government development and operations.
The letter read, “Due to my physical illness, I have been facing various difficulties in fulfilling my responsibilities.” Dewan had assumed office approximately three and a half months ago.
Previously, Dewan served as a senior joint district judge before resigning from his government position in 2005 to join the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His father, Subimal Dewan, was an advisor to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and also served as the founding general secretary of the BNP in Rangamati district.
In 2010, Dewan was elected president of the BNP in Rangamati. In 2016, he was appointed as the central assistant secretary for religious affairs, a role he continues to hold.
Dewan first contested in elections on February 12, defeating independent candidate Pahal Chakma, who was backed by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), by a margin of 169,066 votes.
Following the BNP’s significant electoral victory on February 17 and the formation of a government under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Dewan was entrusted with the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom Alo reported that leaders and activists within the BNP, as well as members of the hill communities, are trying to understand the reasons behind Dewan’s decision. Discussions are ongoing regarding the true motives behind his resignation.
Supporters of Dewan staged protests in Rangamati, blocking roads and demanding the reversal of his resignation and his reinstatement. They claim he was coerced into resigning. Despite citing health issues in his resignation, the circumstances surrounding it remain contentious.
Local BNP leaders expressed surprise at Dewan’s resignation, suggesting it may have been influenced by challenges in managing the ministry, controlling Rangamati politics, and navigating the process of government appointments within the district council in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs focuses on activities across three hill districts, which hold three parliamentary seats. In the national elections, BNP candidates won all three seats in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, with Sa Ching Pru Jeri elected from Bandarban and Wadud Bhuiyan from Khagrachari.
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