Digital Dawn: Districts Deploy E-Learning in Chittagong Hill Tracts

By December this year, e-learning schools will be launched across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with at least three schools in each of Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, totaling nine institutions, ensuring the integration of digital technology in education, stated Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Supradip Chakma.

Adviser Supradip Chakma said, “Through e-learning, the children of Chittagong Hill Tracts will be able to engage directly with the global community, utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in their education.” He added that, in line with the vision of Honorable Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs is working toward establishing 100 e-learning schools in the region.

Speaking as the chief guest at a consultative meeting held on Tuesday, 14 October, at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex administrative building on Bailey Road, Dhaka, Adviser Supradip Chakma emphasized the ministry’s commitment to using technology to bridge educational disparities despite the geographical diversity and socio-economic challenges of the region.

He explained that solar panels will be installed to ensure electricity supply, and internet connectivity will be provided via mobile networks and Wi-Fi. “Retired professionals and skilled teachers will be able to teach online voluntarily from the cities, and guidelines are being formulated for this purpose,” he added.

He further noted that contract-based recruitment of retired teachers is being initiated to address shortages in Science, Mathematics, and English subjects. “These e-learning schools will open a new horizon for children in the Hill Tracts, providing access to quality digital education aligned with the national curriculum,” he stated.

The meeting was chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Md. Abdul Khalek. Among those present were Additional Secretaries Pradip Kumar Mahottam and Md. Monirul Islam; Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council, Agriculturist Kajol Talukdar; Chairman of Khagrachhari Hill District Council, Shefalika Tripura; Acting Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council, Dr. Sanai Pru Tripura; Joint Secretaries Atul Sarkar and Konkon Chakma; and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Israt Jahan, along with other relevant officials.