Communication, Quality Education, and Agriculture Development: Key to Progress in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Says Supradip Chakma
Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser, Supradip Chakma, emphasized the crucial role of quality education, agricultural development, and improved communication systems in the overall development of the hill region. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the foundation stone for the District Council Residential College (RCDC) construction project in Rangapani Hatchery Area, Rangamati Municipality, on Sunday, February 9.
According to Chakma, the foundation for a prosperous hill region lies in the enhancement of key sectors. “To ensure empowerment in all sectors of state development work, the basic foundation of each individual must be built,” he stated. He highlighted the need to focus on strengthening education, advancing agriculture, and improving communication infrastructure to create sustainable progress in the region.
Quality Education and Empowerment
The District Council Residential College of Rangamati, which will be constructed under an initial budget of three crore taka allocated by the Ministry of Hill Region Affairs, is set to become a game-changer in the region’s education landscape. Chakma expressed his optimism that the college would significantly improve the quality of education in the hill region by focusing on both Bengali and English curricula.
“We hope that the students of this college will be able to improve their English proficiency through practicing English,” Chakma added. With a strong emphasis on English alongside other subjects, the college aims to foster holistic academic growth for students in the region, bridging the gap between local and national education standards.
Chakma also addressed the issue of teacher retention in the region, acknowledging that many educators are reluctant to stay in the hill areas. However, he expressed confidence that the new college would fulfill the necessary requirements to improve the quality of education and attract qualified teachers, thereby strengthening the educational infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Communication was another area that Chakma stressed as vital for the region’s development. He revealed that efforts are already underway to enhance transportation networks, particularly in the area of road infrastructure. Chakma has written to the concerned ministry to upgrade several key roads, including the Ramgarh-Khagrachari, Khagrachhari Manikchhari, and Rangamati Manikchhari-Betbunia roads, to four lanes. He emphasized the importance of upgrading these roads to boost connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods throughout the hill region.
A Collaborative Effort
The inauguration event was attended by several notable figures, including the Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council, Kajol Talukdar; the Vice-Chancellor of Rangamati Science and Technology University, Atikur Rahman; and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Hill Region Affairs, Kankan Chakma. Other attendees included senior government officials, local political leaders, and community representatives, all of whom showed their support for the project and expressed their commitment to the development of the region.
As the ceremony concluded, Chakma reiterated the importance of collaboration among government authorities, local councils, and community organizations to create a brighter future for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. With a focus on quality education, infrastructure development, and agricultural advancements, the region is set on a path toward sustainable growth and empowerment for all its citizens.
