The remote villages of Kazoitolipara, Punamonichara, and Aidchhari in Dumdumya Union of Jurachari Upazila, Rangamati, have witnessed a groundbreaking development as a permanent school has been established for the first time in 40 years. Until now, children from these villages had no access to educational facilities locally and were forced to travel to upazila or district headquarters for their studies. In 2010, local residents had temporarily set up a bamboo hut for basic literacy education. However, the structure did not last long. The children remain without a school once again.

In this challenging situation, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stepped forward to support the education of children in these three villages. The Kaptai Battalion of the BGB established a permanent school in the Punamonichara area. Last Tuesday (12 November) was a remarkable day for the residents of Aidchhari villages as the school was officially handed over to the community by the BGB.

Now, there is a wave of relief and joy in the villages. Parents are bringing their children to see the new school. According to local residents, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tanzilur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commanding Officer of the Kaptai Battalion and Wagga Zone Commander, visited the villages on July 30 and promised to establish a school.

On Tuesday, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) handed over a newly built school in Punamonichara to the community. This initiative, led by the Kaptai Battalion, marks a turning point for the children of Kazoitolipara, Punamonichara, and Aidchhari villages. The one-room school, capable of accommodating at least 50 students, provides new hope for the 55 Chakma families in the area. Currently, 47 children have enrolled, and a teacher has been appointed to start primary education. Although the school lacks furniture, bamboo arrangements have been made for seating.

Shantimoy Chakma, the village head of Punamonichara, expressed his gratitude, ‘For many years, there was no school in our three villages. With the BGB constructing this school building, we have been greatly helped. The children of our area can now study regularly. There is no government primary school within a 25 to 30 kilometers radius of our villages.’

This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which emphasizes ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By establishing this school, BGB is helping bridge the educational gap in these remote villages, fostering opportunities for lifelong learning and empowering marginalized communities. It marks a step forward in reducing disparities and laying the foundation for a better future through education.

- Obaidur Chowdhury

BOB Post