Steps being taken to involve hill women in local govt bodies

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmad Chowdhury yesterday said the government is preparing a special strategy document to ensure participation of the region's women in all local government organisations, especially in three hill district councils, and improve their socio-economic situation.

At a daylong workshop organised by Khagrachhari Hill District Council and NGO Green Hill, Iftekhar put emphasis on education for the region's women to become qualified and independent.

As the CHT peace accord is being implemented many women are joining various professions besides doing development work for their families, the society and the country. They are also participating in the work of local government organisations, including the unions, municipalities and hill district councils, said Iftekhar, also foreign adviser.

"If women participate in more and more professions, they will develop leadership among themselves. This will help them fight for their rights and privileges," he said.

"The government is trying to create an environment so that women of this area can change their socio-economic condition. The literacy rate in this area is very low. The government will try to introduce a modern education policy to ensure education for all women in Chittagong Hill Tracts," Iftekhar said.

Headmen (chiefs of mouja), karbaris (village chiefs), government officials, NGO representatives and reporters were present at the workshop.

CHT Affairs Secretary MA Sabur, Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Manindra Lal Tripura and Chief Executive Sayed MA Hashim, Brigadier General Kamruzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, Superintendent of Police Khandaker Lutful Kabir, Mong King Paihalaprue Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier on Thursday, Iftekar inaugurated the office of the Mong king, Alutilla Datuchaitta Buddha Bihar and a hostel for indigenous girls in the district.

Source from-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=15587