Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed that e-learning be launched in at least 100 schools in the Chittagong Hill Tracts within the current year, resolving all crises as quickly as possible.
He gave this directive today, Wednesday, at a meeting held at state guesthouse Jamuna.
Present at the meeting were Hill Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management Adviser Faruq E Azam, Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Chief Secretary to the Chief Adviser Siraj Uddin Mia, and officials of the Primary and Secondary Education Division.
Officials said there are three main challenges in introducing virtual education in the schools of the Chittagong Hill Tracts: Lack of electricity in remote areas, no internet connection, and a shortage of skilled teachers to operate such programmes.
To address these, the chief adviser suggested overcoming the power shortage by using solar panels and tackling connectivity gaps through mobile networks and Starlink services.
Additionally, to overcome the shortage of skilled teachers, he advised preparing a list of schools and recruiting contract-based teachers there for a specified period.
Yunus said, “To ensure quality education in the disadvantaged areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, we must first prepare a list of 100 schools where internet-based schooling can be started. A list must be prepared detailing what each school lacks – such as internet connection, equipment, and so on – and work must begin as soon as possible. Classes must start within this year.”
He added, “Skilled teachers who teach in large educational institutions in cities will teach mathematics, science, and English online to the children of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Then the children there will no longer be left behind. If they get good teachers and study opportunities, many talented children will emerge from there.”
At the meeting, the Hill Affairs Adviser briefed the chief adviser about improving livelihoods and conserving the environment in the three hill districts.
The chief adviser instructed that plans in this regard be prepared in coordination with the relevant ministries.