Day 2: Monday, August 17, 2026 — A 5-member delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Haibongchhara Project Office under the Climate Resilient Livelihood Improvement and Watershed Management in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CRLIWM-CHT) Sector Project to inspect watershed management components.
Mr. Subhashish Chakma, Project Coordinator and Team Leader for Watershed Management, presented an overview of the project area, geographical context, and physical progress. Following the office inspection, the delegation held a constructive meeting with Mr. Sujon Chakma, Chairman of Haibongchhara Union, discussing local development issues and potential growth opportunities.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Community Engagement in Project Village 7: The ADB representatives met with local beneficiaries and community members, who warmly welcomed the guests with floral greetings.
- Identified Community Challenges: Residents voiced critical local needs, including severe safe drinking water shortages, agricultural disruptions caused by drying streams and springs, heavy reliance on tenant farming, and local unemployment. They requested that the project feasibility assessment report be prepared in close coordination with partner NGO officials to guide future development initiatives.
- Infrastructure Inspection (Village Access Road): The delegation inspected the 3.15 km Village Access Road (VAR) spanning from Haibongchhara Mukh to Noyapara, via No. 2 Banchhara to Bhijakizing.
- Traditional Welcome: Villagers of Noyapara greeted the delegation with flowers and served traditional Chakma delicacies, including Bora Pitha and Sanya Pitha.
- Impact Testimony:
- Mr. Rupayan Chakma briefed the team on the road's connectivity, serving 4 villages and students attending 4 local schools.
- Ms. Rupa Chakma highlighted the profound positive impact on women and students, noting that children previously slipped in the mud or skipped school altogether during the rainy season.
- Mr. Shanti Ranjan Chakma, President of the Community Development Committee, shared harrowing accounts of patients previously carried on makeshift stretchers and litters, noting that a stroke patient tragically lost their life due to delayed hospital access before the road was built.
“Today, we can easily travel to local markets and hospitals using easy-bikes (tomtoms), CNGs, and motorcycles, and our children can commute to school safely. We are deeply grateful and overjoyed.”
— Mr. Shanti Ranjan Chakma, President, Community Development Committee
#ADB #CRLIWMCHT #ChittagongHillTracts #WatershedManagement #RuralDevelopment #Bangladesh #LocalImpact