100 hill schools to get Starlink internet within 6-months

In a landmark move to bridge the digital divide, the government has announced plans to roll out Starlink satellite internet in 100 schools across the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) within the next six months. The initiative aims to provide modern education and e-learning opportunities to students in remote mountainous regions.

Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, described the project as a “revolutionary step” in advancing education in the region. He noted that internet access will allow students from remote areas to participate in online classes led by experienced teachers from urban centers, helping to reduce educational disparities and improve technological literacy.

“We must prepare to compete with other regions. We won’t always be able to rely on quotas. To compete, we need to build quality schools and colleges,” said Chakma.

As part of the broader development agenda, the government is also planning to establish engineering colleges, nursing colleges, student hostels, and orphanages in the hill districts.

Beyond education, the government has launched several economic development programs aimed at achieving self-reliance for local communities. These include a three-year bamboo cultivation plan, as well as livestock and fisheries projects.

“Bamboo cultivation will be a key driver of economic growth in the hill districts,” Chakma stated, adding that increased bamboo production will not only strengthen the regional economy but also contribute to environmental conservation.

Other agricultural initiatives include the promotion of cashew nut, coffee, and maize cultivation, with the goal of expanding their reach both nationally and internationally.

Chakma also reiterated the government’s commitment to building a secular and inclusive Bangladesh.

“This government is working to protect the rights of all communities and ensure no one is left behind. The hill people no longer wish to remain marginalized — they want to be part of the country’s mainstream development,” he said.

Highlighting local resources, Chakma compared Kaptai Lake to “gold,” emphasizing its untapped potential in boosting the local economy through expanded fisheries.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to the welfare and inclusive development of all citizens in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.