Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (January 28) formally inaugurated an e-learning programme in 12 schools across the three hill districts of Chattogram, aiming to bridge long-standing education and connectivity gaps in remote areas.

He launched the programme virtually from the state guest house Jamuna and interacted with teachers and students of the selected schools, according to BSS.

The initiative will be expanded in phases to 149 primary and secondary schools in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban within the shortest possible time, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said.

Addressing students, Prof Yunus apologised for the prolonged lack of internet access in the hill tracts, admitting it as a failure of successive governments. “The internet reached the world but not your areas. We are responsible for this,” he said.

He noted that e-learning would help overcome teacher shortages, allowing students to learn from educators anywhere in the world without compromising education quality. The Chief Adviser also highlighted the role of internet connectivity in accessing healthcare services in remote regions.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma said the programme marked the beginning of a new chapter for education in the hill regions. “The government does not want the hill tracts to lag behind and aims to connect the region with the rest of the country and the world,” he said, according to BSS.

Teachers and students welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser for launching the programme.

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