Emphasizing the role of international cooperation in inclusive development, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Supradip Chakma on Tuesday (January 13) said global partnerships are crucial to transforming the region’s tribal communities into skilled human resources and improving their overall living standards.

He made the remarks during a courtesy call by a four-member delegation of the International Labour Organization (ILO), led by its Country Director in Bangladesh, Max Tunon, at his office in the Secretariat, reports BSS.

The meeting focused on sustainable development in the hill region, including skills enhancement, women’s empowerment and adherence to international labour standards. The ILO delegation expressed interest in expanding its engagement through the Canadian-funded ProGRESS project, which aims to promote women’s development, technical skills and entrepreneurship among local communities.

The delegation also highlighted the potential of tourism as a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the hilly areas.

Welcoming the delegation, Adviser Chakma said the government is committed to reducing development disparities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with all projects aligned with global standards and labour laws. He stressed that alongside infrastructure, building skilled human resources, protecting biodiversity and maintaining environmental balance remain key priorities.

“With the cooperation of the ILO and other international partners, rapid socio-economic transformation of the hill region is possible,” he said.

Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary Md Monirul Islam and Joint Secretary Atul Sarkar were present at the meeting.

The ILO delegation included Pedro Jr Bellen, Gunjan Dallakoti and Alexius Chicham.

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