Jatindra Prasad Tanchangya holds a distinguished place in the history of the Chittagong Hill Tracts as the first Indigenous magistrate to earn both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law. His life is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge, all of which enabled him to break barriers and serve his community and country with distinction.
Childhood and Early Life
Born on November 15, 1940, in the remote area of Mahakumay, near the Rainkhyaung River in Bilaichhari, Rangamati, Bangladesh, Jatindra Prasad Tanchangya was the eldest son in a family of 12 siblings. His father, Kartrik Chandra Tanchangya, was a respected traditional physician and poet, and it was within this nurturing environment that Jatindra developed a strong foundation in both cultural and intellectual pursuits.
Education
Jatindra’s journey in education began at Rangamati Government High School, where he completed his matriculation. His academic talents were evident early on, leading him to pursue higher secondary education at Kanungo Para College and Junior Higher Secondary School. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was accepted into Jagannath University, one of the nation’s premier institutions. There, he earned his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees, making history as the first Indigenous person from the Chittagong Hill Tracts to achieve such academic credentials.
However, his achievements did not stop there. Jatindra faced one of the most challenging tests of his life in 1969 when he cleared the East Pakistan Civil Service (EPCS) examination, a significant accomplishment that set the stage for his long and illustrious career in public service.
Public Service Career
Jatindra Prasad Tanchangya dedicated his life to public service, contributing to various regions of Bangladesh in multiple capacities. After passing the EPCS, he began his career as a Deputy Magistrate, serving in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sunamganj, Pabna, and Sirajganj between 1969 and 1979. His commitment and integrity led to his appointment as a First-Class Magistrate on November 6, 1972.
Throughout his career, Jatindra held several significant positions. He served as the Sub-Divisional Officer at Dinajpur Sadar from 1979 to 1982 and as the Additional Divisional Commissioner in Rajshahi in 1982. His work took him across the country, including roles as the Upazila Nirbahi Officer in Sariakandi Bogra and Comilla from 1982 to 1983, Additional Deputy Commissioner General from 1983 to 1989, and Private Secretary to the Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs from 1989 to 1990.
His leadership skills and vast experience were further recognized when he was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Moulvibazar in 1991 and later as the Deputy Director General of the Land Survey Directorate of the Ministry of Lands from 1991 to 1996. In the final years of his service, he held the esteemed positions of Additional Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Division from 1996 to 1997 and Chief Executive Officer of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council from May 12, 1999.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jatindra Prasad Tanchangya was not only a dedicated public servant but also a devoted family man. He was the father of one son and two daughters. His son, Anupam Tanchangya, is an engineer residing in Australia, while his elder daughter, Jyotsna Tanchangya, lives in Dubai, and his younger daughter, Jaya Tanchangya, a computer engineer, also lives in Australia. His wife, Nirupama Tanchangya, passed away in 2016, and Jatindra continued to cherish the memory of his beloved partner until his death on January 8, 2019, at the age of 87.
Jatindra Prasad Tanchangya’s legacy extends beyond his family. As the first among the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to rise to such a high-ranking position in the government of Bangladesh, he paved the way for future generations. His life is celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to his community, which he served with integrity and passion. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer who inspired many and left behind a legacy of dedication and achievement.
