by Staff CorrespondentDhaka – Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve communication and foster development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), which accounts for nearly one tenth of the country’s landmass.
He stressed that this remote, resource-rich region must progress in education, technology, and economic growth to overcome its current challenges.
“The hilly areas face difficulties in communication due to their remoteness. Technology can bridge this gap and accelerate development,” he remarked during a virtual training session on ‘Hill District Council Management,’ organized for the chairpersons and members of the hill district councils at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex in Dhaka.
Yunus pointed out that the CHT, with its natural beauty and abundant resources, has the potential to be one of the most developed regions in Bangladesh.
“Despite this potential, the region lags behind, which is unacceptable,” he said.
He highlighted the economic opportunities presented by crops, fruits, and traditional products from the CHT.
Sharing his experience with members of Bangladesh’s women’s football team, many of whom hail from the hill tracts, he lauded their resilience and achievements.
“Your local girls have conquered challenges to become football champions, demonstrating immense potential,” he said.
He noted the difficult journeys these players endure to return home and the challenges their families face when traveling to Dhaka. Despite these obstacles, they have achieved remarkable success.
Yunus expressed his vision of building the youth of the CHT as global citizens.
“Your girls have already won on the global stage in football. The youth must not only be citizens of Bangladesh but global citizens,” he said, encouraging the region’s youth to expand their horizons and showcase their talents worldwide.
Encouraging participation in the upcoming Youth Festival, he urged the hill communities to motivate their children to engage in activities such as local games, writing, singing, and dancing competitions.
“This festival is for everyone and should celebrate diversity,” he added.
Highlighting the need for reforms in the education system, particularly in the hilly regions, Yunus acknowledged the severe challenges faced by teachers and students.
“The education system in the country is in crisis, and the situation is even more difficult in the hills,” he said, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure no child is left behind due to their geographic location.
He assured that the government would explore measures to support educational progress in the CHT and called for collective efforts to uplift the region’s youth.
“Education is the key to advancement, and we must ensure the youth of the hilly region are not deprived of opportunities,” he concluded.
