CHT people should integrate with mainstream society preserving identity: CHT adviser

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma on Monday said the hill communities should engage with the mainstream population keeping their distinct cultural identity.

“A major challenge for CHT communities is their limited awareness of their own needs and the means to address them. To effectively realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they must work with mainstream safeguarding own identity and define their priorities and develop strategies to articulate these in relevant forums, establishing clear development objectives,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a workshop titled “Localization and Acceleration of SDGs in the CHT” in the CHT Complex Auditorium on Bailey Road in the capital, said a press release.

Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, the adviser urged the Mother Language Institute and the Ministry to take active steps to save the endangered languages of the hill people.

He cited the example of a small group in Alikadam, Bandarban, where only six to seven individuals speak with their own mother tongue. Without immediate action, he warned, this language may vanish with the passing of their last speakers, he added.

The adviser also spoke on the disparities in education and livelihoods across the region, stressing the need for equitable access to quality and residential education. He proposed ensuring primary education throughout the hills, up to eighth grade at the upazila level and higher education at the district level, to bridge the development gap.

Discussing economic opportunities, Supradip pointed to the untapped potential of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, noting its capacity to contribute significantly to the national economy through fisheries.

He further stated that expanding business, commerce, and tourism in the hill areas, along with sustainable use of Kaptai Lake, could transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.

The adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, saying, “The present government is ready to support us in every way. With the leadership of the Chief Adviser and cooperation from all stakeholders, we aim to build a prosperous and unified Bangladesh. This administration is dedicated to the welfare of all citizens.”

The CHT is home to over 1.6 million people, including 11 ethnic communities and Bangalees. Out of the 169 SDG indicators, 39 have been prioritized specifically for the region to accelerate progress. A feasibility study, supported by the European Union and UNDP, has been conducted to develop tailored goals based on local socio-economic conditions, culture, food habits, and environmental factors.

During the open discussion, several pressing challenges were highlighted, including water scarcity, multidimensional poverty, environmental risks, inadequate educational facilities in remote areas, and gaps in local knowledge utilization, market access, budget tracking, and information availability.

With CHT Secretary Md Abdul Khaleque in the chair, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Acceleration in CHT presenter Dr. Abu Yusuf, UNDP Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, and Additional Secretary and SDG Localization Expert Md. Monirul Islam also spoke.