Chittagong: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma today emphasized the need for hill communities to engage with the mainstream population while maintaining their unique cultural identities. He addressed the importance of balancing integration with cultural preservation during a workshop titled "Localization and Acceleration of SDGs in the CHT," held at the CHT Complex Auditorium on Bailey Road in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chakma highlighted the challenges faced by CHT communities, including limited awareness of their needs and how to address them. To effectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he urged these communities to safeguard their identity while defining priorities and developing strategies to articulate their objectives in relevant forums.
During his remarks, Chakma called on the Mother Language Institute and the Ministry to actively preserve endangered languages spoken by the hill people. He cited a small group in Alikadam, Bandarban, where only a handful of individuals still speak their native language, warning that immediate action is needed to prevent the language from disappearing.
Chakma also addressed disparities in education and livelihoods in the region, stressing the need for equitable access to quality and residential education. He proposed ensuring primary education up to eighth grade at the upazila level and higher education at the district level to bridge the development gap.
Discussing economic opportunities, Chakma pointed to the untapped potential of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, noting its capacity to contribute significantly to the national economy through fisheries. He suggested that expanding business, commerce, and tourism in the hill areas, along with sustainable use of Kaptai Lake, could transform the region's socio-economic landscape.
The adviser reaffirmed the government's commitment to inclusive development, stating that the current administration is ready to support efforts to build a prosperous and unified Bangladesh. He expressed confidence in the leadership of the Chief Adviser and cooperation from all stakeholders.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts are home to over 1.6 million people, comprising 11 ethnic communities and Bangalees. Of the 169 SDG indicators, 39 have been prioritized for the region to accelerate progress. A feasibility study, supported by the European Union and UNDP, has been conducted to develop tailored goals based on local socio-economic conditions, culture, food habits, and environmental factors.
During the open discussion, several challenges were highlighted, including water scarcity, multidimensional poverty, environmental risks, inadequate educational facilities in remote areas, and gaps in local knowledge utilization, market access, budget tracking, and information availability.
The event saw participation from CHT Secretary Md Abdul Khaleque, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Acceleration in CHT presenter Dr. Abu Yusuf, UNDP Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, and Additional Secretary and SDG Localization Expert Md. Monirul Islam.