A new positive chapter has been added to the continuous economic progress of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. With the aim of transforming the youth of this region into a skilled, self-reliant, and employment-oriented workforce, the Bangladesh Army has undertaken various visionary training programs.
Under Khagrachhari Region, Rangamati Region, Bandarban Region, and Guimara Region of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, various vocational and technical training programs are being conducted from August through the last week of December. These trainings will play a landmark role in the economy and social stability of the hills. The primary objectives of this visionary program are to enhance the self-esteem of the hill youth, make them more financially self-reliant, and create new employment opportunities by developing their skills. In particular, the goal to transform the Chittagong Hill Tracts into a promising workforce by creating employment for women in various areas is already spreading a new wave of development across the region.
A brief overview of the training sessions that are being held across various Army zones in the four regions, including ongoing and future plans, is outlined below:
1. Khagrachhari Region: To develop skilled human resources in the medical, technological, and mechanical sectors, large-scale training courses have been organized in Khagrachhari in two phases. In the 1st phase, from 02 August to 13 August 2026, a total of 23 individuals (15 hill tract residents and 08 Bengalis) received Midwifery and Nursing training. In the 2nd phase, from 23 August to 10 September 2026, a total of 34 individuals (09 hill tract residents and 25 Bengalis) are receiving Midwifery and Nursing training. From 23 August to 10 September 2026, a total of 108 individuals (44 hill tract residents and 64 Bengalis) are receiving Mobile Repairing training. Additionally, from 23 August to 10 September 2026, a total of 35 hill tract residents and 38 Bengalis are receiving Computer, Equipment Repairing, and Electrician training. Through these training programs, besides creating a skilled and employment-ready workforce at the local level, new employment opportunities are being created.
2. Rangamati Region: In this region, 95 young men and women are being trained in 5 major subjects. From 26 July to 06 August 2026, 15 hill tract residents were provided Midwifery and Nursing training. Furthermore, plans are in place to provide training to 20 individuals in Tailoring, 25 in Computer Skills, 15 in Vehicle Mechanics, and 20 in Mobile Repairing during the months of October and November 2026.
3. Bandarban Region: Highest priority has been placed on modern and technology- driven training in Bandarban. Under this initiative, training on AC & Refrigerator Repair, Sewing, Driving, and Agricultural Technology will be provided throughout the month of September 2026. A total of 60 trainees -20 in each course will participate. Later, in October, 20 trainees will receive Mobile Phone Repair training. Additionally, to equip the youth with IT skills, Freelancing training will be provided to 10 young individuals in December 2026. To build skilled manpower in the healthcare sector, the 1st phase of Midwifery and Nursing training was provided to 19 hill tract residents from 02–13 August 2026, and the 2nd phase will be held in October and December 2026 with 40 more trainees. This creates opportunities for local youth to develop skills and become self-reliant in various technical, technological, agricultural, and healthcare sectors.
4. Guimara Region: Along with improving healthcare services, young people in this region are being trained in various technical skills. Midwifery and Nursing training is being conducted in 3 phases. The 1st phase ran from 02–15 August 2026, the 2nd phase from 09–20 August 2026, and the 3rd phase from 29 August to 10 September 2026. Across these three phases, a total of 27 hill tract residents and 22 Bengalis are receiving Midwifery and Nursing training. Additionally, from 18 August to 01 September 2026, Mobile Repairing training is being provided to 15 hill tract residents and 05 Bengalis, while Vehicle Mechanic training is being provided to 17 hill tract residents and 03 Bengalis.
To strengthen harmony between the hill residents and Bengalis, sports competitions are being organized regularly at the upazila level under the initiative of the Bangladesh Army. Particularly through the "Sampreeti Cup" football tournament, a wonderful opportunity has been created for hill and Bengali youth to participate in sports together. The participation of youth is given special priority in these competitions organized across the three hill districts. Through sports, mutual communication, friendship, and health awareness among the youth are increasing. At the same time, representatives from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) are visiting the Chittagong Hill Tracts to scout and select talented players. As a result, promising and talented players of the hill region are getting the opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level and play for the national team.
Practical technical skills learned over specific durations are making the hill youth self-reliant. Young individuals learning freelancing and computer operations are reaping the benefits of technology from home, while those learning driving, mobile, AC/refrigerator, or vehicle repair are establishing their own businesses and finding employment in the local market. Furthermore, specialized Midwifery and Tailoring training organized for women is playing a revolutionary role in women's empowerment and socio-economic development in remote areas.
This long-term training effort has initiated a new chapter of economic and social progress in the hills. When a young man or woman learns a trade, finds a clear path to earning an income, and brings financial solvency to the family, a sense of personal self-respect is awakened within them. This pragmatic and technical training provided by the Bangladesh Army prepares local youth to be self-reliant and face the future. Such comprehensive initiatives by the Army play a highly effective role in maintaining permanent peace, development, and harmonious social coexistence in the region.
Conclusion: The Bangladesh Army's effort to light up new lives by empowering the promising youth of the hills with work opportunities and technical skills is universally recognized and widely praised. This positive environment of skill acquisition and employment generation is strengthening sustainable development and non-communal harmony in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The local residents express their gratitude and best wishes to the Army for the positive transformation of the hill region and for their developmental and welfare-oriented activities.
