Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has revealed the government’s intention to establish agro-processing industries in Dinajpur to utilise on the region’s agricultural potential, boost the local economy, and create new employment.
Addressing a civic gathering and iftar mahfil at the Dinajpur Circuit House grounds, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of properly preserving and processing agricultural products to strengthen the local economy.
He said, “If agricultural products can be preserved and processed efficiently, it will boost the local economy and increase employment opportunities.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to Dinajpur, Tarique Rahman recalled fond memories of his maternal grandparents’ house in the region. “When people ask where one’s maternal home is, I always think of Dinajpur. My first thought is always my grandmother’s house,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the region holds special emotional value for him and expressed his commitment to developing the district.
Tarique Rahman reaffirmed that his government is working on delivering the promises made to the people before the election. He said, “Alhamdulillah, within just one month of taking office, we have already started implementing many of the promises made during the election campaign.”
One of the key promises included the government’s canal excavation initiative. On Monday, the Prime Minister officially launched a national canal excavation programme starting from Sahapara in Kaharole Upazila, Dinajpur.
The project aims to dig approximately 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide over the next five years to alleviate water shortages during the dry season and prevent flood damage in the monsoon.
The Prime Minister explained that many rivers and canals have been filled over the years, contributing to water scarcity during the dry season and severe flooding during the monsoon.
“We have taken a plan to excavate canals across the country to address these issues and reduce dependence on groundwater,” he said.
Tarique expressed concerns about the growing reliance on groundwater, noting that in many cases, water now needs to be drawn from depths of 600-700 feet, compared to the previous depth of 100-150 feet.
He added that canal excavation would help recharge groundwater and reduce the arsenic problem in the region.
Tarique Rahman also announced a new initiative to empower women economically.
He revealed that the government has introduced the ‘Family Card’ programme, which will be distributed to four crore families across Bangladesh led by women.
“Half of Bangladesh’s population consists of women, and we cannot progress as a nation by leaving them behind,” he said.
The pilot project for the Family Card has already started in 15 areas, including Dinajpur-6 constituency, and will expand nationwide once the pilot is completed.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s initiative to provide honorariums for religious leaders, in line with election promises. “We pledged to arrange honorariums for imams, muezzins, khatibs, and religious leaders of all faiths,” Rahman said, adding that the program had already been launched in recent days.
Reaffirming his government’s dedication to national development, Rahman assured the people of Dinajpur that his administration would work tirelessly to build the country that citizens aspire to.
The event saw the participation of a diverse group of attendees, including LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam, President of the District Bar Association Abdul Halim, and President of the Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce Abu Bakar Siddiq.
Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, president of Dinajpur BNP, presided over the function, while Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi, general secretary of the party, conducted the event.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman launched the excavation of the Sahapara Canal, a 12-kilometer waterway in Kaharole Upazila, by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27pm.
He also planted a sapling on the banks of the canal, symbolising the government’s commitment to environmental conservation alongside infrastructure development.
