The sudden resignation of Advocate Dipen Dewan, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has once again placed hill politics at the center of national discussion. On June 1, he submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to government sources, he stepped down due to prolonged health complications and difficulties in carrying out his official responsibilities.
However, following the announcement of his resignation, discussions, speculation, and political analyses have intensified across the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A section of the public believes that beyond health concerns, the region’s complex political landscape and growing pressures may also have played a role in his decision.
Dipen Dewan was one of the most talked-about winners of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Contesting from the Rangamati Hill constituency as a BNP candidate, he defeated his nearest rival by an unprecedented margin of 170,322 votes, setting a national record for the largest victory margin. He was appointed minister immediately after being elected as an MP for the first time.
After serving in the judiciary for 19 years, Dipen Dewan entered politics in 2005. He became President of the Rangamati District BNP in 2010 and later served as Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary of the party’s central committee. His father, Subimal Dewan, was an adviser on indigenous affairs to former President Ziaur Rahman.
Political observers describe the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs as one of the most challenging portfolios in the country. Nearly three decades after the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, lasting peace remains elusive in the region. In recent years, concerns have grown over conflicts among regional groups, extortion, the proliferation of illegal weapons, and overall security issues.
The timing of Dipen Dewan’s resignation has also drawn attention. As debates intensify over the appointment of chairmen and members to the three Hill District Councils and demands for transparent and impartial selections gain momentum, his departure has generated fresh questions.
Some local political circles speculate that pressure surrounding the Hill District Councils, implementation of the Peace Accord, demands from regional political parties, and various administrative decisions may have contributed to the situation. However, no official evidence has yet emerged to substantiate such claims.
As a result, one key question continues to dominate public discussion: Was Dipen Dewan’s resignation purely the result of health problems, or was it influenced by unseen political dynamics in the hills?
While the government has officially cited health reasons, many are wondering whether his departure signals a larger political shift in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Another important question now arises: Who will take charge of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, and will the new leadership be able to effectively address the region’s long-standing challenges, including the Peace Accord, Hill District Council reforms, and the delicate balance of regional politics?
Although Dipen Dewan’s resignation marks the end of one chapter, it may also signal the beginning of a new chapter in the politics of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
