The 26th Engineer Construction Battalion (26 ECB) under the 34th Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army is working tirelessly to connect the remote and hilly villages of the Chittagong Hill Tracts with the mainstream development of the country. This engineering battalion has created an unprecedented revolution by establishing road connectivity in remote areas bordering Rangamati and Bandarban, defying adverse weather conditions, landslides and various natural obstacles.
According to the Army’s 26 ECB sources, this great undertaking began with the establishment of the Rajasthali Project Camp in 2016. Later, on July 3, 2019, the construction of the 130-kilometer-long border road officially began.
Currently, the second phase of the 28-kilometer road from Bogakhali to Karllachhari is in full swing. In addition, the third phase of the road from Karllachhari to Thegamukh and from Udayabad to Thalipara is going to start very soon.
In addition to communication, as part of public welfare work, 26 ECB has established three passenger shelters, four primary schools and 9 safe water sources. 70,680 fruit and forest tree saplings have been planted. Recently, eight tin cans were donated in the presence of 26 ECB commander Lt. Col. Kamrul Alam Asud for the renovation of the Buddhist monastery in Saichal-adjacent Gachabagan Para of Bilaichhari Upazila.
Besides, 26 ECBs have taken responsibility for distributing school uniforms and educational materials among the students of Thumpara Government Primary School, along with paying the salaries and allowances of two teachers. A playground has been built for the students. Solar panels and fans have also been installed at Bogakhali Lower Secondary School. In addition, the army has set an example of unique humanity by treating a cancer patient named Amardhan Chakma at Dhaka’s CMH at its own expense.
