Chief Adviser Inaugurates E-Learning Programme in Three Hill Districts, Implemented by BSCCL

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has formally inaugurated e-learning activities in 12 schools across the country’s three hill districts.

On Tuesday, January 27, the Chief Adviser virtually connected from the State Guest House Jamuna and interacted with teachers and students of three primary and nine secondary schools. Under the initiative, internet connectivity for the e-learning programme is being provided through Starlink by its authorised reseller in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCCL).

It was announced that e-learning activities will be rolled out in phases, with the programme set to be launched in 149 selected primary and secondary schools across the three hill districts within the shortest possible time.

Present at the event were Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Supradeep Chakma; the Chief Adviser’s SDG Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed; Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb; Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Abdun Naser Khan; Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mohammad Mizanur Rahman; and BSCCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Imadur Rahman.

From Tuesday, e-learning activities officially began at Rangamati’s Rani Dayamoyee High School, Kaptai Al-Amin Nooria Dakhil Madrasa, Farua Junior Secondary School and Islamabad Government Primary School; Khagrachhari’s Kamolchhari Pilot High School, Hajachhari Junior High School, Manikchhari Girls’ High School and Pujgang Mukh Government Primary School; and Bandarban’s Balaghata Ideal School, Haji Firoza Begum WAMI Academy, Tindu Junior High School and Bogamukh Para Government Primary School.

Addressing the programme, the Chief Adviser said, “The internet has reached the whole world, yet it did not reach your areas. That it did not happen for so long is the government’s responsibility. We apologise for that. Today, we have started with only 12 schools, whereas this should have begun in three and a half thousand schools. We must reach that goal very quickly.”

He further said, “You live in such beautiful places—how many places in the world are as beautiful as these? Yet good teachers do not want to go there because they become disconnected from communication. The beauty of the internet is that you will no longer have to depend on just one teacher. A teacher can teach you from anywhere in the world. You will be able to study with the teacher of your choice. A lack of teachers will no longer reduce the quality of your education.”

Highlighting broader benefits, Professor Yunus said, “Through the internet, you will be able to know what is happening across the world. Another important issue is healthcare. In remote areas, it is difficult to find good doctors. With internet access, you will be able to contact doctors wherever they are, receive advice and take medicines accordingly.”

He added, “We are all citizens of this country. You will enjoy the same rights as any other citizen. Allah has given you intelligence and capability just as He has given others. There is no reason for you to remain deprived. You will receive equal opportunities. Failing to provide these is a failure of the government, and we must overcome this failure.”

Later, the Chief Adviser exchanged views virtually with several teachers and students. Teachers and students expressed their gratitude and thanked the Chief Adviser for initiating the e-learning programme.

Adviser Supradeep Chakma said, “Through today’s initiative, the government has fulfilled its commitment. A new horizon is opening in education in the hill tracts. We will gradually launch e-learning activities in all 149 schools. We must reach even more schools. The government does not want to leave the people of the hill tracts behind, and the people of the hill tracts also do not want to lag behind. We want the Chittagong Hill Tracts to be more connected with the rest of Bangladesh and with the world.”

DBTech/UH/SM/OR