Prime Minister Accepts Resignation of CHT Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has officially accepted the resignation of Dipen Dewan, the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs. The Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Atikur Rahman Rumon, confirmed the development to The Daily Campus today, Monday, stating that the minister stepped down strictly due to prolonged physical ailments.
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the veteran politician submitted his formal resignation letter earlier in the day, citing his inability to maintain the intensive operational pace required for ministerial duties.
In his official resignation letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Dipen Dewan outlined the medical complications that triggered his decision. He noted that despite his dedication to serving the region, acute health issues had begun presenting major hurdles in managing the day-to-day administrative workflow of his ministry.
"I have been suffering from various physical complications since assuming office. In the interest of maintaining the developmental momentum and enhancing the administrative dynamism of the current government, I believe it is necessary to be relieved of my current position. I politely request the acceptance of my resignation," Dewan wrote in his official correspondence.
Dipen Dewan was elected to the 13th National Parliament from the Rangamati constituency on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ticket, securing one of the highest victory margins in the general election. Following his landslide win across the hill tract territory, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inducted him into the cabinet to head the specialized CHT Affairs Ministry.
Official election data shows that Dewan secured a staggering 259,980 votes across 213 polling centers. His nearest challenger, an independent candidate named Pohel Chakma playing under the "Football" symbol, managed only 30,992 votes. Born on June 8, 1963, in the Rangapani area of Rangamati, Dipen Dewan hails from a prominent political family. His late father, Subimal Dewan, served as a state-minister ranked adviser in the cabinet of late President Ziaur Rahman.