PM greets nation on Pahela Baishakh
Greeting people in Bangladesh and other Bengali-speaking communities worldwide on Pahela Baishakh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday expressed hope that cultural values of tolerance, generosity and harmony will strengthen democracy and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a series of meetings with leading entrepreneurs from the fruit, dairy, food and beverage, and poultry sectors, as part of a government initiative to develop northern Bangladesh into a major agro-processing hub on Monday.
Beginning at 11am, the prime minister conducted three rounds of discussions with 16 prominent business leaders to explore investment opportunities, policy support and sector-specific challenges in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions.
Meanwhile, PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin informed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the ‘Farmer Card’ distribution in 11 upazilas of 10 districts across the country under the pre-piloting phase today as part of the implementation of ruling BNP’s election pledges.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) sources, the premier will officially launch the programme at 10:30 am at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail upazila, on the occasion of the Pahela Baishakh-1433.
After inaugurating the programme, Tarique Rahman, also ruling party Chairman of BNP, will address a farmers’ rally there. Later, he will inaugurate an agricultural fair at the Poura Udyan in Tangail town at 12:15pm.
According to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions focused on existing constraints in the agro-processing industry, potential incentives for new investment, and strategies to expand industrial activity in northern Bangladesh.
Finance Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir accompanied the prime minister during the meetings, which were attended by leading business figures representing PRAN-RFL, Transcom, Square, Kazi Farms, BRAC, Akij, Lal Teer and Paragon, among others.
Square Food & Beverage CEO Md Parvez Saiful Islam said the prime minister sought detailed suggestions on how to attract investment and strengthen agro-processing capacity in the northern region.
He noted that although the company sources around 80 per cent of its raw materials locally, expansion plans in Pabna are being delayed due to a lack of gas connections and inadequate facilities for agricultural product testing.
He also said discussions included boosting fruit exports from Rajshahi, alongside the need for improved cold storage facilities and stronger cold-chain systems to reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the prime minister responded positively and directed prompt action on several issues raised during the meeting.
PRAN-RFL Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said the prime minister encouraged increased investment in northern Bangladesh, highlighting its untapped land potential.
Business leaders reportedly proposed tax holidays, improved utility services and infrastructure development to attract investors.
He added that the prime minister indicated tax incentives for agro-processing could be considered, along with expanded testing laboratories and cold storage facilities.
He also stated that the prime minister plans to hold a follow-up review meeting within six months to assess progress on the proposals.
During the discussions, the prime minister also addressed concerns regarding the ongoing energy situation and the broader investment climate.
Transcom Group CEO Simeen Rahman described the meeting as constructive and open, noting that business leaders raised issues relating to investment conditions, energy supply, export diversification and regulatory processes.
She added that the prime minister instructed his advisers to take immediate action on several proposals.
Officials and business leaders expressed optimism that the initiative would improve the investment environment and accelerate the growth of agro-processing industries in northern Bangladesh.
