Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, has emphasized the need to advance the hill tracts of Bangladesh in technology, education, and economy. Expressing disappointment over the underdevelopment of these resource-rich and scenic regions, he remarked, “These areas could have been the most developed regions of Bangladesh, yet they remain among the most backward. This shouldn’t have been the case. With your crops, fruits, and traditional products, your economy should have been flourishing. The remoteness of these areas makes communication difficult, which is why the expansion of technology is essential. Technology can bridge this gap.”
Dr. Yunus made these remarks on Wednesday, December 11, during the inauguration of a training program titled “Management of Hill District Councils,” organized for the chairpersons and members of hill district councils. The event, held in Rangamati at 10:30 a.m., was attended virtually by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Expressing hope for the youth of the hill tracts to grow as global citizens, Dr. Yunus stated, “Your daughters have brought global recognition through football. The youth must not only be citizens of Bangladesh but also global citizens. Being from a remote area cannot be an excuse for being left behind. Limitations will exist, but you must expand the boundaries of your mindset. You need to reach out to people worldwide through your achievements.”
He encouraged participation in the upcoming youth festival in January, urging the hill tracts’ youth to actively engage. “Encourage your children and young people to join this festival. Whether it is local sports, essay writing, singing, or dancing—let them participate in whatever they can and wish to. This is everyone’s festival. Let it be diverse. It should not be just a government-mandated event. Inspire them so they enthusiastically participate on their own.”
Dr. Yunus also addressed the need for reforming the education system and the importance of proper methodologies and training in the hill tracts. He noted, “The country’s education system is in a severe crisis, and in your region, it is even more challenging. Teachers and students both face significant difficulties. While irregularities exist nationwide, they are even more prevalent here. You must focus on education, and we will also strive at the state level to see what can be done. The youth of the hill districts should not fall behind in education simply because they live in remote areas. They must advance in their studies.”
