Dhaka: Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has emphasized the importance of integrating the hilly region with the national mainstream to contribute to the country’s overall economic development. He highlighted ethnic diversity as a cornerstone and strength of the region’s culture.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Supradip made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Ethnic Diversity Day 2025,” organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The event was held on Sunday evening at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy. He underscored how Bangladesh’s vibrant cultural heritage has been shaped by the unity of various languages, ethnicities, and communities. The observance of Ethnic Diversity Day, he noted, provides a unique opportunity to enhance communal harmony and national unity.
In his speech, Supradip Chakma noted that efforts are underway to provide technology-driven quality education to students from ethnically diverse groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, identifying quality education as his top priority. He acknowledged that, due to linguistic diversity and textbook limitations, mother tongue-based education is conducted on a limited scale and requires further development. He also observed that students from hill communities tend to be weaker in science, mathematics, ICT, and English, prompting plans to appoint skilled teachers to boost proficiency in these subjects.
Supradip announced the introduction of Starlink satellite internet connectivity in at least 100 schools in the Chittagong Hill Tracts within the next six months, in line with the declaration of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. This initiative aims to enable e-learning and represents a technological revolution in education. “Students in remote hill areas will be able to attend online classes, and experienced teachers from urban centres will be able to teach, ensuring quality parity,” he explained. This development is expected to enhance students’ technological proficiency, supporting their higher education and career prospects.
The seminar was presided over by Prof Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, with KS Maung, a Member of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, serving as the keynote speaker. Other discussants included human rights and cultural activist Alik Mree, President of the Dhaka Metropolitan Rakhine Buddhist Welfare Association Kya Ching Thay Dolly Rakhine, and political figure Cha Nu Mong. The event was attended by government secretaries, senior officials, distinguished researchers, writers, and cultural activists, focusing on the preservation and development of the languages, cultures, and traditions of Bangladesh’s ethnic communities.
Following the seminar, a cultural program organized by the Shilpakala Academy was enjoyed by Adviser Supradip Chakma and other guests. Various ethnic groups showcased their cultural heritage in individual stalls set up in small tents across the Bangla Academy premises, symbolizing ethnic unity and mutual harmony.