Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has stressed that sustainable development in the hilly region depends on good governance and empowering women.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Ideas, held at the CHT Complex auditorium on Baily Road in Dhaka, Supradip said women’s participation must be prioritised, particularly through support for women entrepreneurs. He proposed dedicating 40 percent of the CHT allocation to livelihood development in order to raise living standards of local communities.

“Development will remain incomplete unless women are made equal partners in the process,” he said. The adviser also highlighted new initiatives to modernise 200 schools in the region, including multimedia classrooms, digital content creation, and improved network facilities.

The seminar, chaired by CHT Affairs Secretary Md Abdul Khalek, featured group discussions on sustainable development, agriculture-based livelihoods, quality education, and training.

Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Md Mohabbat Ullah emphasised the importance of introducing improved crop varieties suitable for hilly terrain, adopting sustainable land use, ensuring rainwater harvesting, and promoting integrated agricultural systems.

The event was attended by Mong Raja Saching, Task Force on Tribal Refugees Chairman Sudatta Chakma, NTRCA Chairman Aminul Islam, senior officials of the Ministry of CHT Affairs, and other dignitaries.
 

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