Dhaka: State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin today emphasized the importance of implementing significant and feasible projects for the local population of the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region. "We have to take very significant and realistic project instead of taking excessive projects unnecessarily," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister made these remarks during a review meeting on ongoing and upcoming projects included in 'Sabuj Pata' (Green Leaf) for the 2026-27 fiscal year, implemented by the Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry. The meeting was held at the Chattogram Hill Tracts Complex Bhaban located on the city's Baily Road, with State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki attending as the guest of honor.
Helal highlighted that although many projects were initiated in the past, they often did not result in tangible outcomes. He underscored the necessity for proposals that focus on the overall development of the CHT region, such as increasing organic fruit orchards, agriculture and fruit processing, and the construction of cold storage facilities. These initiatives are expected to generate employment opportunities at the local level.
Addressing the expansion of the modern education system in the CHT, Helal noted the shortage of quality teachers in subjects like mathematics, science, and English. He suggested that multi-media classrooms and lessons recorded via multi-media projectors, operated by a central satellite, could bridge this gap. Such initiatives should be incorporated into 'Sabuj Pata.'
Furthermore, Helal discussed plans for constructing district-based stadiums and other sports facilities at the upazila level to facilitate regular training for athletes. Meanwhile, Zonayed Saki stressed the urgent need to ensure cold storage, healthcare, pure drinking water, and sanitation facilities in the CHT region.
The meeting was also attended by Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Secretary Md Mizanur Rahman, additional secretary M Manirul Islam, CHT Development Board vice-chairman Sheikh Saleh Ahammad, principal executive officers of three hill districts, and other senior officials from the CHT.