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Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh – For over two decades, since 2003, Zabarang has been a quiet yet formidable force, weaving a tapestry of resilience across the lush, often challenging, landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). Through a multifaceted approach encompassing watershed management, climate action, and the revitalization of indigenous knowledge, Zabarang is empowering local communities to not only adapt to a changing climate but also thrive in harmony with their environment.

Innovations for Livelihood Security: Sustainable Hill Cultivation Program

In 2003, with support from Danida HRGG PSU, Zabarang launched the Sustainable Hill Cultivation Program (SHCP) in Dighinala Upazila. This pilot project introduced a successful model of hill farming that balances livelihood security with environmental sustainability.

Working with three jumia villages, the program encouraged farmers to categorize their crops into short-term (like rice and vegetables), mid-term (papaya and banana), and long-term (perennial fruit and timber trees). This innovative intercropping approach, rooted in indigenous knowledge, has not only provided a sustainable family income source for many jumia farmers but has also transformed jum fields into lush, green landscapes, contributing significantly to environmental health.

Amplifying Voices for Climate Action

Zabarang stands as a crucial voice for the people of the CHT, actively engaging in campaign and advocacy activities on climate change and environment. As a key member of various civil society networks, including the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Network on Climate Change and Biodiversity (BIPCCBDNET) and Bangladesh Climate Change 64 Network, Zabarang ensures that the unique environmental challenges and indigenous perspectives of the region are heard at national and global forums. They regularly publish vital information, education, and communication materials—from issue-based publications and position papers to posters and research documents—to raise awareness and influence policy.

Nurturing the Veins of the Earth: Watershed Management

A cornerstone of Zabarang’s work is its dedicated Watershed Management Initiatives under the Community Empowerment and Economic Development (CE&ED) project. Recognizing that small streams (chharas) are the lifeblood for drinking water, household use, and irrigation in the CHT, Zabarang has been instrumental in regenerating degraded lands.

Since 2011, they’ve led community-driven efforts to manage these crucial streams, many of which are drying up due to reduced upstream water flow and siltation. Through strategic plantation activities, Zabarang helps communities regenerate vegetation, providing shade to maintain low water temperatures, increasing soil stability, minimizing stream bank erosion, and enhancing water quality. This initiative also plays a vital role in conserving indigenous plant diversity, supporting a richer aquatic wildlife habitat, and ultimately ensuring year-round water availability for thousands. Their efforts have seen the planting of a diverse array of local and indigenous species like Chalta, Jarul, Telsur, and various bamboo species, transforming barren areas into thriving ecosystems. These initiatives engaged nearly 400 villages, bolstered by the participation of approximately 300 women’s groups who served as vital additional forces in this grassroots social movement.

Wisdom from the Ground: Promoting Indigenous Best Practices

Zabarang champions the invaluable traditional knowledge of the region through its Promoting Indigenous Peoples’ Best Practices to Combat Climate Change (PPCCC) initiative. Supported by UNDP, this action research project has meticulously identified and disseminated the sustainable practices of ‘jumias’ (shifting cultivators) for traditional ‘jum’ cultivation.

The research has not only enhanced the capacities of jumias to adapt to changing climatic conditions and resource scarcity but also documented and promoted innovative hill cultivation techniques. Engaging directly with five village communities and 175 participants, Zabarang conducted participatory strategic planning sessions to understand grassroots coping strategies. A key outcome was the development of a Position Paper, incorporating community recommendations and wishes, which was shared with policymakers, including Members of Parliament, government representatives, and traditional leaders, to influence policy on sustainable resource management.

New Warriors in Climate Action: People’s Empowerment for Climate and Environmental Justice

From 2014 to 2017, Zabarang spearheaded the People’s Empowerment for Addressing Climate Justice and Environmental Justice (PEACE) project, supported by ‘Bread For the World’. This initiative focused on increasing climate adaptability in targeted villages, with a specific emphasis on empowering women and youth.

The project aimed to significantly reduce climate risks by involving some 300 young people, equipping them to lead the charge against climate change impacts. These “new warriors” participate in community awareness campaigns, providing vital information on climate change trends and adaptation mechanisms to their villagers, fostering a more prepared and resilient community.

Building Bridges: Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Peoples Dialogue

From 2007 to 2009, Zabarang played an active role in a series of Community Dialogues on Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Peoples, as one of the partners of the interventions supported by UNDP. These dialogues spanned across Asia and the Asia Pacific, highlighting the crucial stewardship role indigenous peoples play in responding to climate change and preserving their cultural and traditional landscapes.

Zabarang, as a local partner, led field-based activities in Khagrachari, gathering information and facilitating crucial conversations between grassroots communities and policymakers. This initiative fostered a space for meaningful discussions on natural resource management and cultural sustainability, with findings shared at regional and global platforms, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Advocating for Shared Natural Health: Position Paper on Village Common Forests

Zabarang has been a key partner in the Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL), leading the mission to develop a Position Paper on Village Common Forest for CSRL’s Hill Tracts Campaign Group. This influential campaign focuses on agriculture, climate change, and fair trade, aiming to reduce rural poverty and vulnerability.

The position paper, developed with input from local communities, advocates for the preservation and promotion of the Village Common Forest (VCF) system, raising awareness among policymakers about the critical link between VCFs, food security, and climate change in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Promoting and Strengthening the VCF Network: a Unified Front to Combat Climate Challenges

Proclamation of “VCF Declaration 2017” through the CHTs VCF Conference in presence of traditional leaders, community leaders and civic actors

In a significant stride towards collective conservation, Zabarang spearheaded the project “Promoting a Network of Village Common Forests (VCFs) and Increasing the Network Members’ Capacity” from 2016 to 2017. This initiative, spanning Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban districts, aimed to establish a robust VCF network to guide communities in safeguarding their forests.

Zabarang facilitated the establishment of central, district-level, and sub-district level VCF committees, developing bylaws to provide a clear framework for VCF activities. Extensive capacity-building training covered rights, advocacy, leadership, gender equality, and dispute resolution, empowering 92 VCF community leaders, including a focus on women’s involvement. The project’s success is evident in the formalization of VCF governance, increased awareness, enhanced leadership, and the creation of a sustainable future plan for the network.

On-the-Ground Guardianship: Community Initiatives for Protecting VCFs in Khagrachhari

Signboard of Bornail Para Reserve (VCF), which was a part Zabarang’s interventions

Building on the network’s strength, Zabarang launched Community Initiatives for Protecting VCFs in Khagrachhari District from 2017 to 2019. With funding from SID-CHT and UNDP, this project directly protected 15 VCFs across six Upazilas, benefiting 1,345 households and a total population of 6,725 individuals.

The initiative involved comprehensive activities, from situation analysis and resource mapping to forming VCF management committees, demarcating boundaries with pillars and display boards, and training field staff on GPS for precise VCF mapping. Capacity building was extensive, covering climate change and disaster management preparedness, financial management, women’s participation in decision-making, and VCF management plan formulation. The project successfully completed all its targets, demonstrating significant progress in VCF protection and community empowerment, with a notable reach in awareness-raising sessions and training programs.

Sowing Seeds for Future Resilience: Revival of Traditional Crops and Sustainable Technologies

Looking to the future, Zabarang has embarked on the Revival of Traditional Crops and Sustainable Technologies for a Resilient Food System and Sustainable Natural Resources Management project, running from June 2024 to September 2026. Supported by the Tebtebba Foundation and IFAD, this initiative directly benefits 262 Tripura community members, with significant participation from women and youth, and indirectly reaches over 1,500 individuals.

The project’s goal is to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen climate change resilience. It focuses on restoring indigenous crops through ancestral knowledge and agro-ecological farming systems, improving access to technical services from government departments, and enhancing the capacity of community leaders on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, gender, and climate change. Activities include promoting ‘Jhum’ cultivation and seasonal farming, documenting indigenous crops and wild food species, establishing connections with agricultural and forest departments, and providing training on local and forest crops, gender sensitivity, and participatory monitoring.

Inventorying Knowledge, Inspiring Actions: Publications on Climate Change and Environment

A testament to Zabarang’s commitment to knowledge dissemination is its consistent output of Publications on climate change and environmental issues. These journals, reports, and annual publications serve as invaluable resources, documenting successes, sharing insights, and informing broader audiences about ground realities and effective ways to nurture the environment.

Their publications cover a range of critical topics, including “Good Practices to Combat Climate Change – experiences from the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” “Sustainable Hill Cultivation,” and “VCF – The Home of Environment and Ecology,” providing a vital inventory of local wisdom and inspiring further action.

Booklet on Sustainable Hill Cultivation Program

Pictorial Booklet on VCF

Process Documentation on the VCF Network Development project

ABCD of Environment- chronological alphabetic rhymes on climate and environment

Prokriti- anthology of articles on environment, natural resources and climate change

Building a Resilient Future in the CHT

VCF Demarcation through installation of pillars

Zabarang’s comprehensive approach, spanning over two decades, clearly demonstrates a powerful model for sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. By seamlessly integrating local action with invaluable indigenous wisdom and fostering strategic partnerships, the organization has cultivated a unique pathway to resilience. These diverse interventions, from watershed management to promoting traditional agricultural practices and empowering communities, collectively strengthen the region’s ability to adapt to environmental challenges. Ultimately, Zabarang’s work showcases how deep understanding of local contexts, combined with collaborative efforts, can forge a healthier and more sustainable future for both the people of the CHT and the planet. Their efforts are a testament to the transformative power of community-led initiatives in the face of global challenges like climate change.

পাহাড়ে জীববৈচিত্র্য সংরক্ষণে মৌজা বন বা গ্রামীণ সাধারণ বনের (ভিসিএফ) গুরুত্ব অনেক। এসব বন স্থানীয় জনসাধারণের জীবন ও জীবিকার মূল উৎস। খাদ্য, ঘরবাড়ি নির্মাণ ও ওষুধের জন্য পাহাড়ি জনগোষ্ঠী মৌজা বনের ওপর নির্ভরশীল। পাহাড়ি ছড়ায় পানি ধরে রাখতে এ বন ভূমিকা রাখে। স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীকে সম্পৃক্ত করে এসব বন সংরক্ষণ ব্যবস্থাপনা গড়ে তুলতে হবে। এগুলোকে আইনি স্বীকৃতির আওতায় আনতে হবে। তা হলেই অবশিষ্ট পাহাড়ি বন রক্ষা পাবে। জীববৈচিত্র্য আরও সমৃদ্ধ হবে। পাহাড় ও পাহাড়ের জনগোষ্ঠী তাদের ঐতিহ্য নিয়ে টিকে থাকবে।

‘মৌজা বন বা ভিসিএফ ব্যবস্থাপনা ও সংরক্ষণে সংশ্নিষ্টদের করণীয়’ শীর্ষক গোলটেবিল বৈঠকে বক্তারা এসব কথা বলেন।

দৈনিক সমকাল ও জাবারাং কল্যাণ সমিতি বৃহস্পতিবার যৌথভাবে এই বৈঠকের আয়োজন করে। সহযোগিতায় ছিল পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয় ও উন্নয়ন সহযোগী ইউএনডিপি’র যৌথ উদ্যোগের এসআইডি-সিএইচটি প্রজেক্ট।
গোলটেবিলে বক্তারা আরও বলেন, জনসংখ্যা বৃদ্ধি, জমির দাম বেড়ে যাওয়া, মালিকানাবিরোধ, বিকল্প কর্মসংস্থান না থাকা, আনারস, রাবার, তামাকের মতো ফসলের চাষ বৃদ্ধি, ভূমি অধিগ্রহণ এবং সরকারি নীতি সহায়তার অনুপস্থিতির কারণে ভিসিএফ সংরক্ষণ করা কঠিন হয়ে পড়েছে। জীববৈচিত্র্য ধ্বংস হচ্ছে। ছড়াগুলো পানি শূন্য হয়ে পড়ছে। পাহাড়ে ভূমি ধস বাড়ছে। পাহাড় ও পাহাড়ি জনগোষ্ঠীর টিকে থাকার স্বার্থেই এসব বন রক্ষা করতে হবে। এখানে বাইরে থেকে আনা মডেল চাপিয়ে দেয়া যাবে না।

দৈনিক সমকালের উপসম্পাদক আবু সাঈদ খানের সঞ্চালনায় এ অনুষ্ঠানে সভাপতিত্ব করেন পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম ভিসিএফ নেটওয়ার্কের সভাপতি থোয়াইঅং মারমা। স্বাগত বক্তৃতা করেন জাবরাং কল্যাণ সমিতির নির্বাহী পরিচালক মথুরা বিকাশ ত্রিপুরা।

গোলটেবিল অনুষ্ঠানে বক্তব্য দেন পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয়ের সচিব নব বিক্রম কিশোর ত্রিপুরা, খাগড়াছড়ি পার্বত্য জেলা পরিষদের চেয়ারম্যান কংজরী চৌধুরী, ইন্টারন্যাশনাল সেন্টার ফর ইন্টিগ্রেটেড মাউন্টেন ডেভেলপমেন্ট-ইসিমড প্রতিনিধি গোলাম রসুল ও ড. ধ্রুপদ চৌধুরী, রাঙামাটি পার্বত্য জেলা পরিষদের সদস্য ত্রিদিব কান্তি দাশ, প্রকৃতি সংরক্ষণবিষয়ক সংস্থাগুলোর আন্তর্জাতিক জোট আইইউসিএনের বাংলাদেশ প্রতিনিধি ইশতিয়াক উদ্দিন আহমেদ, চট্টগ্রাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বন ও পরিবেশ বিজ্ঞান ইনস্টিটিউটের অধ্যাপক ড. খালেদ মিসবাহুজ্জামান, পরিবেশ আইনবিদ সমিতির (বেলা) প্রধান নির্বাহী সৈয়দা রিজওয়ানা হাসান, এসআইডি-সিএইচটি প্রকল্পের জাতীয় প্রকল্প ব্যবস্থাপক প্রসেনজিৎ চাকমা, বণ্যপ্রাণী ও প্রকৃতি সংরক্ষণ অঞ্চল ঢাকার বন সংরক্ষক মো. জাহিদুল কবির এবং পার্বত্য বন ও ভূমি রক্ষা আন্দোলনের জুয়াম লিয়ন আমরলই বম।

আলোচ্য বিষয়ের ওপর আলোকপাত করে আরণ্যকের নির্বাহী পরিচালক ফরিদ উদ্দিন আহমেদ বলেন, মানুষ বেড়ে যাওয়ায় পাহাড়ে মৌজা বনের সংখ্যা কমছে। তারপরও ছোট-বড় তিনশতাধিক পাড়া বন টিকে আছে। এগুলো জীববৈচিত্র্যে ভীষণ সমৃদ্ধ।

নিজেদের জরিপের উদাহরণ দিয়ে তিনি বলেন, এসব বনে এমন অনেক উদ্ভিদ ও প্রাণী টিকে আছে, যা দেশের অন্য স্থানে লুপ্ত হয়েছে বা বিরল হয়ে পড়েছে। এগুলো রক্ষা করতে হলে ভিসিএফগুলোকেও সংরক্ষণ করতে হবে। তবে এর সঙ্গে স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীকে সম্পৃক্ত করতে হবে। কারণ তারা জানে কিভাবে এসব বন রক্ষা করতে হয়। সমতলের মডেল তাদের ওপর চাপিয়ে দেওয়া যাবে না। বনকে প্রাকৃতিকভাবে বাড়তে দিতে হবে। বনায়নের নামে বাইরের গাছপালা এনে এসব বনে লাগানো যাবে না। স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীর বিকল্প কর্মসংস্থানের ব্যবস্থা করতে হবে। এখানকার গাছপালার ওষুধি গুণাগুণ বিশ্নেষণ করতে হবে। ভিসিএফগুলোকে সংরক্ষণ করতে হলে এদের আয়তন, প্রকৃতি ও জীব বৈচিত্র লিপিবদ্ধ করতে হবে।

ড. খালেদ মিসবাহুজ্জামান বলেন, মৌজা বনগুলো শুধু স্থানীয় বা জাতীয় সম্পদ নয়, এগলোর বৈশ্বিক গুরুত্ব রয়েছে। এসবের কারণে পাহাড়ের ছড়াগুলোতে পানিপ্রবাহ ঠিক থাকে। ওই পানির ওপর আবার পাহাড়ের কৃষিসহ জীবন ও জীবিকা টিকে আছে যুগ যুগ ধরে। জীব বৈচিত্র সমৃদ্ধ এসব বন হতে পারে প্রকৃতি শিক্ষার জীবন্ত গবেষণাগার। তিনি বলেন, মৌজা বন সংরক্ষণে স্থানীয় প্রাণ ও প্রকৃতিকে প্রাধান্য দিতে হবে।

ড. ধ্রুপদ চৌধুরী ভারত ও নেপালে তার কাজের অভিজ্ঞতার আলোকে বলেন, ভিসিএফ সংরক্ষণে লোকায়াত জ্ঞানকে কাজে লাগাতে হবে। প্রথমেই স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীর মৌলিক চাহিদার ওপর জোর দিতে হবে। পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রামের জন্য দেশের বিদ্যমান বিভিন্ন আইনের মধ্যে বিরোধ রয়েছে মন্তব্য করে তিনি বলেন, এগুলোর সমন্বয় করতে হবে।

জুয়াম লিয়ন আমলই বম স্থানীয় পরিস্থিতি তুলে ধরে বলেন, বনায়নের নামে বাইরের গাছপালা পাহাড়ে রোপন করলে ভিসিএফ ধ্বংস হয়ে যাবে। বিভিন্ন সংস্থার নামে ভূমি অধিগ্রহণ বন্ধ করার দাবি জানান তিনি।

কংজরী চৌধুরী বলেন, ভিসিএফ কমার সঙ্গে সঙ্গে স্থানীয় বৃক্ষ হারিয়ে যাচ্ছে। কৃত্রিম বনায়নের সময় এ ধরনের গাছ রোপন করতে হবে। কারণ জীব বৈচিত্র রক্ষায় এসব বনে আদি গাছ দরকার।

সৈয়দা রিজওয়ানা হাসান চৌধুরী বন সংরক্ষণে বিদ্যমান আইনের সীমাবদ্ধতা তুলে ধরে তা সংশোধনের ওপর জোর দেন। তিনি বলেন, আইনে বন বিভাগের দায়িত্ব কর্তব্য বলা হয়নি। কৃষি মন্ত্রণালয় নিজে চাষ করে না। তারা তদারকি করে। মাঠে কাজ করে কৃষক। মৎস্য মন্ত্রণালয়ও মাছ চাষ করে না। কিন্তু বন অধিদপ্তর নিজেরা বনায়ন করতে চায়। তাই বাগান হয়, বনায়ন হয় না। বন বিভাগকে তত্ত্বাবধায়কের দায়িত্ব পালনের পরামর্শ দিয়ে তিনি বলেন, বন রক্ষার কাজ স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীর হাতে ছেড়ে দিতে হবে।

ইশতিয়াক উদ্দিন আহমেদ বলেন, মৌজা বন রক্ষা করতে হলে স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীকে এর মালিকানা দিতে হবে। স্থানীয়দের সমন্বয়ে বন সংরক্ষণ ব্যবস্থাপনা গড়ে তুলতে হবে। ভিসিএফ রক্ষায় পৃথক বিধিমালা প্রণয়ন করতে হবে। বনকে অন্য কাজে ব্যবহারের অনুমতি দেওয়া ঠিক হবে না।

ড. গোলাম রসুল বলেন, মৌজা বন ধ্বংস হলে শুধু পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম বা বাংলাদেশের ক্ষতি হবে না-সারা বিশ্বেরই লোকসান হবে। নেপালের উদাহরণ দিয়ে তিনি বলেন, এ দেশেও এসব বন সংরক্ষণে স্থানীয় অধিবাসীদের সম্পৃক্ত করতে হবে। নিজেদের স্বার্থেই বনজীবী এসব মানুষ ভিসিএফ রক্ষা করবে।

প্রধান অতিথির বক্তৃতায় সচিব নব বিক্রম কিশোর ত্রিপুরা বলেন, ভিসিএফগুলোর আইনি স্বীকৃতি জরুরী। তবে এজন্য তথ্য উপাত্তের প্রয়োজন। তিনি বলেন, পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রামের উন্নয়নে সব সংস্থার মধ্যে সমন্বয় থাকতে হবে। ভূমি ব্যবস্থাপনা সমস্যার দ্রুত সমাধান করতে হবে। পাহাড়ের জমি অধিগ্রহণ বন্ধ করতে হবে। তিনি স্থানীয় উন্নয়ন সংস্থা ও বেসরকারি সংগঠনগুলোকে প্রয়োজনীয় প্রকল্প নিয়ে সরকারের কাছে উপস্থাপনের পরামর্শ দেন।

প্রসেনজিৎ চাকমা বলেন, বন বিভাগ শুধু অর্থকরী সেগুন, গামার লাগানোতে বেশি উৎসাহী। এ থেকে বন বিভাগকে বেরিয়ে আসতে হবে। তাদের স্থানীয় বনজ বৃক্ষের সম্প্রসারণে কাজ করতে হবে। ত্রিদিব কান্তি দাশ বলেন, ভিসিএফ রক্ষা করতে জনপ্রতিনিধি ও স্থানীয় জনগণকে প্রশিক্ষণ ও সচেতন করে তুলতে হবে।

সমাপনী বক্তৃতায় আবু সাঈদ খান বলেন, ‘সবকিছুর মূলে মানুষ। মানুষের প্রয়োজনে আইন। সবাই উন্নয়ন চায়। কিন্তু তা হতে হবে মানুষের জন্য। মাটি, মানুষ, পাহাড় প্রকৃতিকে রক্ষা করেই সার্বিক উন্নয়ন পরিচালনা করতে হবে।’

এ সময় আরও উপস্থিত ছিলেন বাংলাদেশ পরিবেশ আন্দোলনের (বাপা) শাহজাহান মৃধা, এসআইডি-সিএইচটি প্রকল্পের কর্মকর্তা বিপ্লব চাকমা প্রমুখ।

“Humanitarian Assistance to Flood Affected People in Sylhet and Khagrachhari districts (ALERT B0-55)”

Multipurpose Cash Grants and Hygiene Kits were distributed among 700 households affected by the recent floods in 4 unions of Dighinala Upazila under Khagrachhari Hill District. The distribution was implemented under the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Project funded by Start Fund Bangladesh of Start Network, organized by Zabarang Kalyan Samity with technical support from Caritas Bangladesh.

The distribution has been started in Boalkhali Union on 14 July 2024 and ended in Merung Union on 30 July 2024. Multipurpose Cash Grants and Hygiene Kits were distributed in Kabakhali Union on 18 July 2024, and in Dighinala and Babuchhara Unions on 28 July 2024.

Boalkhali Union Parishad Chairman Mr. Chayan Bikash Chakma presided over the distribution ceremony in Boalkhali Union while Chairman of Kabakhali Union Parishad Mr. Knowledge Chakma, Chairman of Dighinala Union Parishad Mr. Chandra Ranjan Chakma, Babuchhara Union Parishad Chairman Mr. Gagan Bikash Chakma and Chairman of Merung Union Parishad Mst Mahmuda Begum Lucky in the distribution ceremony of their respective unions.

Mr. Md. Mamunur Rashid, Honorable Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dighinala Upazila, graced the distribution events in Boalkhali and Merung Union as the chief guest, while Mr. Dharma Jyoti Chakma, the Chairman of Dighinala Upazila Parishad graced the distribution ceremonies in Kabakhali, Dighinala and Babuchhara unions.

Former President of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan Sangsad and civic actor in Dighinala Mr. Nalendra Lal Tripura, Chairperson of Zabarang Kalyan Samity Mr. S Ananta Bikash Tripura, Vice Chairman of Dighinala Upazila Parishad Mr. Susamoy Chakma, Women Vice Chairman of Dighinala Upazila Parishad Ms. Sima Dewan, Regional Director of Caritas Chattogram Mr. Marcel Ratan Guda, President of Khagrachhari Journalist Union Mr. Prodip Chowdhury, President of Dighinala Press Club Mr. Jahangir Alam Raju, General Secretary Mr. Jakir Hossain, Instructor of Upazila Resource Center Md. Main Uddin, Head teacher of Merung High School Md. and SMC Chairman Md. have take part in the ceremonies as special guests.

Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura, Executive Director of Zabarang Kalyan Samity, delivered the welcome speech, and Mr. Binodan Tripura, Programme Coordinator, moderated the discussion.

The flodd affected households have been provided wit the following humanitarian supprots:

The humanitarian support item included-

1. a Multi-Purpose Cash Grant (MPCG) worths- BDT 6,000
2. 20 liters RFL plastic bucket with lid- 1 piece
3. Bathing soap- 2 pieces
4. Detergent powder- 1 kg
5. Sanitary Napkin- 1 pack
6. 1.5 liters RFL Plastic Mug- 1piece
7. ORS – 5 pieces
8. Large sized nail cutter-1 piece

ED of Zabarang Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura delivering speech in the Regional SRHR Conference at the Shilpakala Academy, Chattogram

Zabarang Kalyan Samity has participated in the National Sexual and Reproduction Health and Rights (SRHR) held on 11 & 12 December 2022. The conference was 

জাবারাং-এর নিয়োগ প্রক্রিয়া সম্পর্কে আপনার মতামত প্রদান করে আমাদের কাজের গুণগত মান বৃদ্ধিতে সহায়তা করুন-

মতামত জরিপে অংশ নেওয়ার জন্য এই লিঙ্কে ক্লিক করুন- Zabarang Recruitment Satisfaction Survey (google.com)

Kukichhara Govt. Primary School is a READ project mediate school. The school is in Bhaibonchhara Uninon under Sadar Upazila of Khagrachhari Hill District. It is about 10 KM distance from Khagrachhari town. READ project is implementing in this school since 2015 funding by USAID and technically supported by Save the Children. Zabarang is the implementing Local NGO of READ in Khagrachhari.

There are 145 students in this school. Among of them 61 are boys and 74 are girls. All the students of the school are came from Chakma and Marma community. Most of the students of this school didn’t have any chance to read any books or other reading materials except text book. The traditional teaching method of the school is also do not inspire them to read. So their reading skill was really poor. Lots of students were irregular to school because of no fascination with classroom.

Most of the students do not have the opportunity to read anything outside of the school. The school’s traditional teaching method also do not encourage them to read other books. So their quality of reading is poor. As a result, many students are irregular in the school due to lack of attraction.

Moreover, traditional teaching in Bangla language is considered as the reason for students’ unwillingness to read. They do feel interest in reading any other books beyond the textbooks. Meanwhile, the quality of the Kukichhara Government Primary School like many other schools of the district is in the lower level of national reading standards.

In view of the above situation, this school was included in the READ project. Teachers are trained by READ to improve student learning skills. Along with this, there are 245 types of interesting leveled books delivered to the school children to improve their reading skills. Students are encouraged to read in many ways. Students started reading colorful books during the leisure time. Gradually they started to have fun of reading. Their ability to read continues to grow. Reading fluency comes, the vocabulary increases. Learns to understand by reading. As a result, their comprehensive skill also improves. Now they take the books to their house. They read the books to their parents and siblings at home.

The interest for reading increased student’s reading habit and reading capability. And this improvement is consistently reflected in the quarterly assessment of the READ project. It is seen in 2015 that in Grade-III, where the reading fluency was 38%, they came in 65% in the year 2017. Teachers are very happy to see improve student’s capability.

Mr. Sumana Chakma, Headmaster of the school is very happy about the activities of the READ project. She herself supervised the reading of the students’ books and encourage the students for reading. She said, I asked the students to read books during the break. In many cases, I used to call backward students to read different books. Help them out. They also encouraged and increase their reading skills. She said, we should pay more attention to improving the efficiency of Bengali reading. Because, the mother tongue of the students is not Bengali. So they need skill development in Bangla language. Besides, in addition to the Bengali language schools, most of the subjects are in Bengali. Thus, I help and encourage students to read leveled supplementary materials to help in ensuring competency-based learning in the class.

Anuching Marma, assistant teacher of the school, said, “If the students read stories, their interest in reading increases. In this, their vocabulary increased in Bengali. They become fluent reader and learn to understand. Their skills are also reflected in the learning process. That’s why I let my students to read READ’s books every Thursday. “

It is seen in the assessment of students’ reading skills that the grade-III student Priyanti Chakma has regularly read books. She is also the book captain of her class. As well as distributing books of classmates as Captain, she herself has taken books. She says, “In school, I regularly distribute the books of my classmates. I myself read books and every Thursday I brought a new book home. By reading books I tell stories to my parents at home. They are very happy. I love reading books with friends at school. Lily Marma, Tathwoi Chakma, Arpita Chakma, Swimraching Marma are my reading partner in school. “

It is to be noted that Zabarang distributed 14000 books at 45 schools in Khagrachari district under the READ project. 5000 students are getting the chance to read these books. According to the teachers of the school under the project, these books of READ are increasing the daily practice of reading and skill to students.

Government of Bangladesh and Asian development bank is implementing CHTRDP-2 project in eight upazila at Khagrachari District. Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha is a local implementing leading partner working jointly with other four local organizations in 200 para/villages at Khagrachari district. Zabarang kalyan Samity is working at 43 paras/villages in Manikchari, Ramgarh & Laxmichari Upazila among them. Lachari Para is one of them in 1 no. Ramgorrh union under the project area. It is located at the border of Bangladesh and India. It is 80 K.M from khagrachari sadar and 26 k.m from Ramagarh Upazila. Due to lack of socio-economic condition in the village and deprived from the first phase of the CHTRDP project, this village is recommended to select for the second phase by the local community leaders and local administrative institutions.

This village is in a hilly area where is 76 HH from Marma community. Along with the male there are 10 female led families in the village. There are total 305 people in which 154 male and 150 female. Most of the community in this village is dependent on agriculture and along with it they are day laborer and rare domestic animal for their livelihood. There are 3 classes of family according to the socioeconomic condition. Middle to higher classes are 06, poor are 25 and the poorest are 46 families. Supports from the Government and non government organizations hardly reached to the community due to remote and border area. Only a para center for pre primary education support for children from the Chittagong hill tracts development board in the village. Due to this sort of situation, there are many problems including the lack of communication, lack of safe drinking water, lack of irrigation channel and agricultural equipment’s for cultivation. It was difficult for the school and college students as well as the pregnant women in the village to take supports from GoB and NGOs, access to local market and the education due to lack of road communication. Safe drinking water was also a

major health problem in the village. Though there were 3 deep tube wells but it was difficult to meet the want of safe drinking water for the huge number of people in the village. They have to depend on the water sources from wells and the river to wash clothes, take bath and the irrigation of cultivable land. So water born diseases like cholera, diarrhea and typhoid breakout every year during the rainy and dry season. Women had to collect water from the long distances which need 30 to 40 minutes additionally from normal. The villagers could cultivate the land in the less area due to not having available shallow pump machine in the village during the dry season. So they don’t get expected crops due to less production from the agriculture. Only 50-60 Aries of rice could produced in a year. The production could not sale in the local market due to bad road communication between the village and the market and the cost of transportation was high and hard.

Zabarang Kalyan Samity facilitated the community to take project according to the needs assessment. The undertaken projects are shallow tube well, irrigation channel, pump machine, power pump and road construction. Zabarang facilitated to form a Labor contractive society in the village and involved them during the road construction in the village. Total 75 working days in which 10 no. of male and 10 no. female worked during the construction. The labor costs were equally paid to the both male and female labor.

This village is now changed significantly than before while taking several projects for development of the village. Due to installation of sufficient number of deep tube wells in the village, time has been consumed for collecting safe drinking water than before. The women can collect it within 10 minutes while it was required 30-40 minutes more in before. They can give sufficient time in the household as well as to take care of their child which contributed to increase income in the family. Additionally, water born diseases are reduced for using safe drinking water from the tube wells. Installations of irrigation channels and shallow pump machine at the cultivable land and distribution of agricultural equipment’s have created opportunities to cultivate the lands in due time. They can now cultivate it in two seasons and the two seasonal cultivable lands are increased in the village along with it. The villagers use the agricultural equipment’s properly through

their own management committee regarding it. If they utilize and mange the resources properly they will be benefited in future which will impact to develop their socioeconomic conditions.          .

Monghla Para is in the hilly and remote area at Laxmichari upazila in Khagrachari district. Its geographical area is about 360 acr. It is located at 75k.m. long from Khagrachari district at beside the road of Laxmichari upazila. This is an old village where the Marma community has been living from 115 years. Most of the community in the village is less educated and very few are economically solvent among them. There are total 88 no. families in which 06 no. women led families, 22 no. landless and 58 no. familes who have cultivable land. This village is at the most disadvantage area in 1 no. Laxmichari union. So, this village is selected as the most priority basis for the second phase by the local community leaders and local administrative institutions. As the part of social mobilization, Zabarang facilitated the villagers to select some project activities on need basis.

The villagers of Monghla para used to collect water from nearby small cannels and wells for their daily use including drinking of water. It was not safe to drink specially at the rainy season. So, they suffered from many water borne diseases and had to spend a lot of money for the treatment of it every year. Even few of them had to take loan from micro finance institutions or had to mortgage the land property to the lender for it. It needed 40-50 minutes to bring water from wells and cannels for the villagers as well. The village women had to engage in collecting water for most of the times rather than involving themselves for very few moments in other domestic work at home.

There were some cultivable lands in the village which were cultivated only once in a year due to not having available advance agriculture machineries and irrigation support. The farmer had to hire pump machine and power tiller from other places with costly price to cultivate their land. Few of them had to lease the land to other as well. So, it didn’t meet all of the food requirements for a year in the village. There was always shortage of foods in the village in every year.

Zabarang mobilized the Monghla para community to take several projects in order to reduce all sorts of problems that exist in the village. The projects are the tube well for safe drinking water, power tiller for cultivation and power pump for irrigation. They have now 4 tube wells for safe drinking water in the village which reduced dependency on cannels and wells at 100%. The family members from 88 households have been ensured safe drinking water through it and changed a positive attitude among the women for using safe drinking water. The women can now involve in more domestic work due to reducing of time in collecting water from nearby tube wells. Moreover, the villagers can also cultivate their land two times in a year with power tiller and power pump. A villager Mr. Aungojai Marma said due to giving water in the crops with power tiller and pump machine production of paddy have increased 11-13 arries more than before in this year. Community people become more aware and producing more vegetables during winter season than before.