Set up separate edn board, language instt for CHT

The roundtable on 'Introducing indigenous languages as medium of study at primary level', organised jointly by the Jum Aesthetic Council (JAC) and the daily Prothom Alo, was held at the TCI auditorium.

The discussants included eminent educationist Dr

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Anisuzzaman, PCJSS chief and CHT Regional Council Chairman Jiotirindriya Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, Chakma Circle Raja (king) Devashish Roy, Prof Swapon Adnan, Prothom Alo Editor Motiur Rahman, Journalist Abul Momen, cultural activist Mamunur Rashid, Prosanto Tripura, Sudatta Tanchangya, Tuku Talukder, Jiang Kung Bowm, Sing Young Mro, Bacha Khyang and Mong Kya Sue Nu.

In his address of welcome, JAC President Jhimit Jhimit Chakma said primary school drop out rate of indigenous children is 60 to 70 percent, mainly because of use of Bangla. In remote areas, children of communities rarely go to school as they do not find any interest because of the 'language barrier', he said.

Raja Devashish Roy, Prosanta Tripura, Sing Young Mro and Sudatta Tanchangya narrated their embarrassing experiences at primary schools due to use of Bangla.

The speakers discussed ways on how to introduce indigenous languages at primary level. This was however opposed by some speakers.

Santu Larma said Chakma, Marma and Tripura language has 'Alphabets' and these can be introduced at primary level.

Dr Anisuzzaman said that efforts should be made by indigenous people to enrich their respective languages.