CHT Adviser Stresses Global Partnership for Human Resource Development in Hills

DHAKA, January 14, 2025 : Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, has emphasized the importance of global partnerships in transforming the residents of the CHT into skilled human resources and improving their overall quality of life.
The Adviser made these remarks today during a courtesy meeting with a four-member delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO), led by its Country Director for Bangladesh, Max Tunon, at his office in the Secretariat. The discussion focused extensively on sustainable development, skill enhancement, and ensuring global labor market standards in the CHT region.
During the meeting, the ILO delegation expressed their keen interest in focusing on the Chittagong Hill Tracts through the ProGRESS project, funded by the Canadian government. The primary objectives of this project include Women’s empowerment and development, enhancing technical and vocational skills and providing necessary support to foster new entrepreneurs.
The delegation specifically highlighted that the ILO aims to work towards the economic prosperity of local communities by tapping into the immense potential of the tourism sector in the hilly regions.
Welcoming the ILO representatives, the Adviser stated, “The current government is working tirelessly with the goal of improving the living standards and capacity of the people in the CHT. Every development project of ours is being implemented in compliance with international standards and labor laws.”
The Adviser further added, “Our core priority is not just infrastructural development, but also building a skilled workforce, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. If the ILO and other international organizations stand by us in this journey, a rapid socio-economic transformation of the CHT people is possible.” He thanked the ILO delegation for their assurance of cooperation in the government’s development efforts.
The meeting was attended by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of CHT Affairs; Md. Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary; and Atul Sarkar, Joint Secretary.
The ILO delegation included Pedro Jr. Bellen, Chief Technical Adviser of the ProGRESS project; Gunjan Dallakoti, Head of Programme at the ILO Country Office; and Alexius Chicham, National Programme Officer. Pressrelease.

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