Starlink Sparks Satellite Schooling in CHT
The government plans to launch Starlink satellite internet connections in 100 schools across the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) within the next six months to ensure e-learning access and modern educational facilities for hill students.
On Friday, August 8, Advisor on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Supradeep Chakma, told BSS that the initiative would be a technological revolution in the education sector. “Students in remote hill areas will be able to join classes conducted by experienced teachers from urban areas online. This will ensure equality in the quality of education,” he said.
He added, “This initiative will make hill students technologically skilled, which will help them in higher education and future careers.”
When asked about ensuring quality education for ethnic communities in the CHT, Supradeep Chakma said, “My main concern is to ensure quality education in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We have to compete with other regions. We will not always have quotas. To compete, we need to establish some good schools and colleges.”
He emphasized, “My primary focus is on a satellite-based education system. For this, hostels need to be built at the upazila and district levels.”
The advisor also stated that the government plans to establish an engineering college, a nursing college, hostels, orphanages, and student dormitories in the hill region.
To make the people of the CHT self-reliant, the government has undertaken a three-year bamboo cultivation plan, along with additional livestock and fisheries projects, he said.
“The main driving force for the economic development of the hill districts will be bamboo cultivation,” he said. “We aim to strengthen the economic base of the CHT by increasing bamboo production and usage, and to reduce the region’s water scarcity. We want to develop the hill region while preserving nature and the environment. Bamboo is a highly effective and important element in environmental protection.”
The government has also initiated cashew nut, coffee, and maize cultivation in the CHT, he added.
Highlighting the government’s active role in the development of the hill districts, Supradeep Chakma said the aim is to build economic self-reliance and protect the rights of all communities in the region. “This government is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens. We are taking various initiatives to ensure everyone’s economic self-reliance. At the same time, we want to ensure that no one in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is left behind.”
Emphasizing communal harmony, he said, “The goal of this government is to protect the rights of all communities and build a non-communal Bangladesh. The government has opened all doors of development in the CHT. Hill people lag behind in agriculture. We want coffee and cashew nut production from the three districts of the CHT to reach nationwide and international markets.”
He added, “We, the hill people, no longer want to be left behind. We want to integrate into the mainstream of the country. Everyone in society must have a role to play. We must think about our society, religion, and state. The Chief Advisor has announced moving the country forward while maintaining communal harmony. In this regard, we must all remain united.”
Supradeep Chakma further stressed the need to harness the potential of Kaptai Lake. Comparing it to gold, he said, “Economic development is possible through fish harvesting from this reservoir.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, he said, “The current government is ready to support us in every way. Under the leadership of the Chief Advisor and with the cooperation of all concerned, we want to build a prosperous and united Bangladesh. This government is committed to the welfare of all citizens.”
The advisor added that the government is working tirelessly to create an improved and supportive sports environment for students in the CHT.
