The government has taken multifaceted measures to tackle the long-standing development disparities in northern Bangladesh and revitalise the region’s stagnant economy.
As part of this initiative, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu , and Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir , visited industrial areas including the BSCIC industrial estates in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram on Tuesday.
After the tour, an open discussion was held at the BSCIC auditorium with local entrepreneurs and government officials from Lalmonirhat and Kurigram.
Members of Parliament from Lalmonirhat-1 and Lalmonirhat-2 constituencies were also present.
Responding to questions from journalists, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to easing public hardship, stating that there will be no increase in fuel prices at present.
He criticised the previous administration, saying, “Past authoritarian governments crippled the economy across all regions, particularly the north, which suffered extreme inequality, resulting in a sharp rise in unemployment.”
He added that the government is taking swift and effective measures to rebuild the northern economy and expand industrialisation.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Professor Asadul Habib Dulu said the north has long been deprived of development.
“Budgetary enhancements and new plans are underway to advance this neglected region,” he said.
He assured that the government is determined to gradually integrate the entire northern region, including Rangpur Division, into the mainstream of national development. He emphasised expanding both heavy and small-scale industries, leveraging the strategic geographic location of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram.
Local entrepreneurs raised their concerns at the discussion, identifying limited access to raw materials and weak infrastructure as the primary obstacles to industrial growth. They urged swift action to overcome these issues and fully activate the BSCIC industrial estates.
Senior officials from the local administration and business representatives attended the meeting. Speakers stressed the importance of removing existing barriers to industrial growth and creating new employment opportunities to combat poverty in the northern region.
