Khokan Bikash Tripura Jack,Khagrachari Correspondent: A two-day training program on “Rodent Infestation Control and Management” was held in Khagrachari to support the victims of rodent attacks in Rangamati district.

The training took place on Friday and Saturday (October 17–18) at the Hotel Gairing Conference Room in Milanpur, Khagrachari Sadar Upazila.

Dr. Nikhil Chakma, Associate Professor of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at Rangamati Science and Technology University, attended the training as the key facilitator.

The training was attended by 28 representatives from 28 affected villages, including Sajek Union Parishad members Banbihari Chakma and Montu Kumar Tripura, Headman Jopuithang Tripura, Tofayel Ahmed (Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer, Baghaichari Upazila), Md. Nurul Alam (Upazila Agriculture Officer), Bishwajit Chakraborty (Administrative Officer, Sajek Union Parishad), Daniel Shipu Gomez and Saroj Koroya (Representatives from Caritas Bangladesh), and Mathura Bikash Tripura (Executive Director, JABARANG Welfare Association).

This training was a part of the BO-67 project (Humanitarian Assistance for People Affected by Rodent Infestation in Rangamati District). Participants received hands-on training on rodent origin, modern control techniques, safe management practices, and effective methods for protecting agricultural crops.

The program was implemented by Caritas Bangladesh in collaboration with JABARANG Welfare Association. The initiative was supported by Caritas Bangladesh, Start Fund Bangladesh, UKaid, Sida, JOA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Speakers at the event emphasized that “Rodent control is not only about agriculture but is deeply connected to public health and food security.” Local farmers, development workers, and project officials participated in the training and committed to working together in developing a sustainable rodent control plan.

There are growing concerns that jhum (shifting) farmers in Sajek may face an even more severe food crisis in the future. Grateful for the opportunity to participate in the two-day training, attendees expressed their appreciation to the organizing bodies and called upon the government for incentives, support, and subsidies to recover losses and adopt a community-based integrated management system.