The Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Ambassador (Retd) Supradip Chakma, has emphasized the necessity of establishing a realistic framework for the sustainable development of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, ensuring the preservation of ecology, nature, and the environment. On Sunday, a two-member delegation from UNDP, led by International Project Manager Yuges Pradhanang, met with Ambassador Chakma at the Bangladesh Secretariat. This meeting served as an initial orientation discussion regarding the inclusion of local stakeholders in the development of the Technical Assistant Project Proposal (TAPP) for the UNDP initiative titled ‘Ecosystem Restoration and Resilient Development in CHT,’ along with other related project aspects. The ministry has indicated that a follow-up meeting will be scheduled for mid-January 2025.
In relation to the proposed project, Adviser Supradip Chakma asserted that the natural beauty of the Chittagong Hill Tracts must be preserved. He advocated for the enhancement of tree planting initiatives, such as bamboo and sugarcane-bush, while ensuring the integrity of the hill ecosystems, forests, and wildlife. Furthermore, he urged the relevant authorities to utilize surface water resources rather than deep tube wells to protect the water layer in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The adviser also highlighted the importance of involving marginalized communities in the project.
Adviser Supradip Chakma further stated that fostering societal dynamism necessitates the establishment of quality education that prioritizes innovative knowledge within the CHT educational framework. He underscored the need for innovative teaching methodologies to pave the way for a sustainable future. Quality education, he noted, would facilitate the alignment of the perspectives of the hill communities with contemporary global standards. He reiterated that the natural environment of the hill areas should be preserved in its original state.
UNDP International Project Manager Yugesh Pradhanang, Dr. Ram Sharma, the Chief Technical Specialist of Forest and Watershed Management at UNDP, Pradip Kumar Mahottam, NDC, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Joint Secretary Kongkan Chakma, and Assistant Private Secretary (Senior Assistant Secretary) Suvashish Chakma were in attendance.