Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday stressed that national prosperity cannot be sustainable unless development is inclusive, equitable, and rural-focused.
Speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking 47th founding anniversary of Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and Second World Rural Development Day at the CIRDAP auditorium in capital, the minister noted that villages must not be left behind while cities continue to advance.
Fakhrul highlighted the significance of this year’s observance, noting that ambassadors and high commissioners from various Asia-Pacific countries joined the event for the first time.
He recalled that CIRDAP was established in 1979 through the initiative of Bangladesh, other regional nations, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Bangladesh currently chairs the CIRDAP Governing Council and is taking a leading role in seeking UN recognition for World Rural Development Day, which is observed annually on July 6.
Over the past 47 years, the organisation has played a vital role in strengthening regional cooperation, reducing poverty, and enhancing institutional capacity across member states.
CIRDAP has implemented 215 research programmes and 350 capacity-building initiatives, training more than 8,000 government officials and reaching approximately 120,000 stakeholders through its digital network and publications.
Addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, food security, and youth unemployment, the minister said CIRDAP is providing leadership in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.
The organisation is also expanding its regional engagement by seeking to include 40 more Asia-Pacific countries as members and strengthening cooperation with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).
Describing Bangladesh as a global model of rural development since independence, Fakhrul said the present government, which assumed office in February this year, has placed rural development at the centre of its agenda.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government has already waived agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 for small farmers, a move that has benefited more than 12 lakh farmers. Plans are also underway to transform villages into centres of administration, infrastructure, and public services with support from institutions including Ansar and VDP.
The minister announced a five-year programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals nationwide to restore irrigation facilities and increase agricultural productivity.
The government is providing monthly financial assistance to low-income women-headed families through the Family Card programme.
A proposed Farmer Card initiative is expected to enable farmers to access subsidised agricultural inputs, credit, insurance, and marketing facilities more easily.
Fakhrul added that the government has prioritised education and healthcare to strengthen the capacity of rural communities, reaffirming the commitment to bringing qualitative improvements to rural livelihoods.
He concluded by praising CIRDAP’s contributions and welcoming the international recognition of World Rural Development Day.
