Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
Two remote villages — Karigor Para and Rejamoni Para — nestled in the hilly terrain of Khagrachhari, are witnessing a transformation thanks to a bold initiative by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman.
Home to over 500 residents, these villages had long remained underdeveloped. There were no roads, no electricity, and no access to safe drinking water.
Nearly three months ago, General Waker-uz-Zaman visited the Rejamoni Para army camp and interacted with the local residents. Hearing of their hardships, particularly the acute scarcity of clean water, he immediately ordered the installation of a clean water supply system.
Within days, a solar-powered water project was launched. Work on the project began on 1 July and is expected to be completed by 1 September.
Officials report that approximately 70 percent of the work is already done. During a site visit, villagers expressed their joy and gratitude, saying the project would significantly improve their quality of life. Many called the Army chief’s initiative a “blessing from above.”
Subindra Lal Karbari, a 70-year-old farmer from Karigor Para, said: “We used to collect water from hilltop wells and tube wells, but the water contained excessive iron. When the Army chief visited, we told him about our problems. He immediately ordered the installation of clean water systems. We truly believe his actions are a divine blessing.”
The project is being implemented by Rajlokkhi & Raj Pew Engineering Solution. Its managing director, Rajib Barua, said the solar panel system will provide 4,000 litres of purified water daily. “We are installing two 1,000-litre and one 2,000-litre water tanks,” he added.
The project will benefit more than 500 villagers.
Army driving development in remote hills
In recent years, the army’s construction of border roads in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has revolutionised connectivity. Places that once required two to three days of trekking can now be reached within hours.
The army has also been instrumental in setting up schools in remote hill areas, distributing educational materials to underprivileged students, and helping many secure admissions to renowned colleges and universities.
Additionally, locals credit the army for boosting agricultural production and ensuring market access through improved transport and security. Regular army patrols maintain peace in local markets, and their role in developing tourism is widely acknowledged.
Crowds flock to Army medical camps
At the medical camp established at Khagrachhari Union Parishad Complex, patients were seen queuing in large numbers. The army is providing not only free consultations but also high-quality medicines at no cost.
Timrish Marma brought his child from Gograchhari to treat a skin infection. “His hand was in a bad condition, but it’s much better now, thanks to the medicine,” said the father.
Lieutenant Munim Islam Samin, in charge of the camp, informed that four doctors, including a gynaecologist for women, are currently serving patients.
Locals noted that in emergencies, the army often arranges transport for critically ill patients, even deploys helicopters to transfer them to Chattogram hospitals when needed.
Over the past year alone, the army has provided medical assistance to 19,912 individuals — including 12,554 from indigenous communities and 7,358 Bengali residents.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC