Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has announced that the digital transformation of 100 schools in the hill tracts is now underway, marking a significant step towards modernizing education in the region.
Speaking at a meeting on Sunday(September 7) with three Scandinavian diplomats at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Heritage Preservation and Research Center in the capital on Sunday, Chakma said the initiative is being carried out under the directive of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with support from Starlink technology.
“Multimedia classrooms have already been introduced, and online activities in these schools are expected to be completed within the next 90 days,” he said, adding that digitalization will play a transformative role in bridging the educational gap and connecting remote communities with global knowledge.
The visiting diplomats included Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Harald Gulbrandsen, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller, and Danish Embassy Second Secretary and Head of Politics Olle Landin. Discussions focused on sustainable development, multidimensional cooperation, and future prospects for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
Chakma emphasized that alongside digital education, priority is being placed on improving local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and modernization of the agricultural sector. “Quality education and access to technology can energize the local economy, create employment, and empower the younger generation,” he said.
He also underlined government initiatives to preserve ethnic languages and scripts through school-level publications and specialized training for local teachers. Plans are also in progress to address water scarcity and ensure that resources like Kaptai Lake benefit surrounding communities.
The diplomats welcomed Bangladesh’s efforts in advancing education and sustainable development in the CHT, and assured their continued support. They also raised issues concerning Bangladesh’s upcoming elections and UN human rights initiatives.
Chakma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic values and human rights, stressing that relevant institutions are working to ensure free, fair, and participatory elections in line with the Election Commission’s schedule.
Observers say that the ongoing digital transformation project has the potential to be a game-changer for the CHT region. By introducing technology-driven classrooms, students in remote and marginalized areas will gain access to modern learning opportunities, enabling them to compete nationally and globally. The move is expected to narrow educational disparities while fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the hill tracts.
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