Farewell Ceremony and Parents’ Gathering Held for Class Eight Students at Merinchor Para Primary and Junior High School

By Md. Tawhidul Islam | Bandarban

ALI KADAM, Bandarban, November 15, 2026: Austrian-based development organization Sonne International, in collaboration with Bangladesh-based non-governmental development organization Tahzingdong, is working to expand educational opportunities in the remote hill communities of Alikadam upazila in Bandarban, aiming to bring underprivileged children into mainstream education.

As part of these ongoing educational initiatives, a farewell ceremony for Class Eight students and a parents’ gathering were held at Sonne Merinchor Para Primary and Junior High School in Merinchor Para, Ward No. 9, Nayapara Union, Alikadam.

The programme was held on Sunday (November 15) on the school premises, with Alikadam Upazila Secondary Education Officer Litu Chattopadhyay attending as the chief guest.

The event was presided over by Keng Mro, Chairman of the School Management Committee and local Karbari.

Special guests included Md. Tawhidul Islam, Editor and Publisher of Daily Vision24Bangla; Santhi Rani Tripura, a member representing Wards 7, 8 and 9 of Nayapara Union; Sabarang Tripura, Coordinator at the Sonne International Alikadam Field Office; Sujan Chowdhury, Alikadam Upazila Correspondent of Kalbela; Jesmin Chakma, Project Field Officer at Caritas Alikadam; and Mongchaching Karbari, Vice-President of the School Management Committee.

In his speech, chief guest Litu Chattopadhyay emphasized that geographical isolation and limited facilities in remote hill areas should never become obstacles to students’ dreams and aspirations.

He said that students should not focus solely on academic results but should strive to become educated, responsible, compassionate and capable individuals. He encouraged them to pursue higher education with confidence, dedication and hard work.

He also urged students to stay away from drugs and highlighted the importance of using technology positively and responsibly.

According to relevant sources, Austria-based Sonne International has been working for many years to improve the education and living standards of disadvantaged children in Bangladesh. The organization is also engaged in expanding educational opportunities in the remote hill communities of Alikadam.

Meanwhile, Tahzingdong, a development organization based in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, has been implementing various initiatives in education, healthcare, nutrition and socioeconomic development.

Children in remote hill communities often face numerous challenges in continuing their education due to poor communication infrastructure, financial hardship and inadequate educational facilities. Against this backdrop, development initiatives undertaken by non-governmental organizations are playing an important role in encouraging school attendance, ensuring continuity in education and inspiring children to pursue higher studies.

The programme also featured discussions on students’ future academic journeys, improving the quality of education and the responsibilities of parents. Guests expressed their hope that equal educational opportunities would be ensured for every child living in the remote hill communities.

The programme was conducted and coordinated by the school’s Head Teacher, Md. Alamgir.