The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are set to embrace a new era of digital education, with the government announcing plans to launch e-learning school programs in the region by December of this year. The initiative aims to bridge educational disparities and equip students in remote areas with modern technological skills.

The announcement was made by Supradip Chakma, Adviser for CHT Affairs, during a views-exchange meeting at the Parbatya Chattogram Complex in Dhaka on Tuesday(October 14). He detailed that the project's first phase will see nine schools, three each in Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban outfitted with digital technology.

"Under the guidance of Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, we are moving forward with the goal of establishing 100 e-learning schools in the CHT," Chakma stated, reports BSS. He emphasized that the program would provide students with opportunities to develop crucial skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and other modern technologies, enabling them to connect with the global community.

Addressing the region's unique challenges, Chakma explained that infrastructural hurdles would be overcome through practical solutions. "Despite geographical diversity and socio-economic challenges, we aim to reduce educational disparities through technology," he said. Solar panels will be installed to ensure a consistent power supply, and internet access will be provided via mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

The initiative also includes a strategic plan to tackle the shortage of qualified educators in subjects like science, mathematics, and English. The government has begun recruiting retired teachers on a contract basis. Furthermore, a policy is being developed to allow experienced teachers and retired professionals from urban centers to volunteer for online teaching sessions.

The introduction of digitalization is poised to be a transformative force for CHT society. By providing access to high-quality education and modern digital tools, the e-learning schools are expected to open new avenues for socio-economic development. This digital leap can empower the youth, foster innovation, and integrate the historically marginalized region more closely with the national and global mainstreams, ultimately creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

The event, chaired by CHT Affairs Secretary Md. Abdul Khaleque, was attended by several high-ranking officials, including representatives from the three hill district councils, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this landmark project.

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