Photo : Collected

DHAKA, July 14, 2025 (BSS) – Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive development in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) through scholarship, skills training, and community-based initiatives, aiming to build knowledge-based leadership and livelihood opportunities for the region’s Indigenous communities.

This commitment was highlighted during the recent visit of Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle to the CHT, where she witnessed the tangible benefits of Australia’s support to the region, said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka today. 

The envoy visited Moanoghar, a local Indigenous boarding and day school with 1,100 students, where an Australia Awards alumni grant has helped establish an IT-Australia Centre, creating opportunities for digital learning and skills development for Indigenous youth.

Australia’s support for BRAC’s Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) programme in the CHT region is also transforming the lives of young people by equipping them with practical, trade-based skills for sustainable livelihoods, officials said.

The High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the long-term contributions of over 250 Indigenous Bangladeshi alumni of the Australia Awards Scholarship programme who have been actively working to uplift their local communities in the hill tracts.

Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission Clinton Pobke reaffirmed the High Commission’s continued support for Indigenous scholars and alumni, urging them to remain connected and to act as advocates and change makers within their communities.

‘The Adivasi Australian Scholars’ Association of Bangladesh (AASAB)’ recently held its Annual General Meeting, bringing together Indigenous alumni of the Australia Awards to reflect on their achievements and to unify their voices for inclusive development in the CHT.