Govt puts rural development at heart of agenda Says Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said that the government has placed rural development at the centre of its agenda since assuming office in February 2026, unveiling a series of programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the 47th founding anniversary of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the second World Rural Development Day at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, the minister says inclusive and equitable development cannot be achieved if rural areas are left behind.

“The development process must be inclusive, equitable and rural-centric. Genuine prosperity cannot be achieved if cities move ahead while villages are left behind,” he said.

Fakhrul said that this year’s observance is particularly significant as ambassadors and high commissioners from several Asia-Pacific countries participate in the event for the first time.

He added that World Rural Development Day is observed annually on July 6, commemorating the establishment of CIRDAP in 1979 through the initiative of Bangladesh, other regional countries and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The minister said that Bangladesh is currently chairing the CIRDAP Governing Council and has played a leading role in securing UN recognition of the international observance.

Highlighting the organisation’s achievements, he says CIRDAP has implemented 215 research programmes, conducted 350 capacity-building initiatives and trained more than 8,000 government officials over the past five decades. Through its digital platforms and publications, it now reaches more than 120,000 stakeholders, helping bridge policymaking and implementation.

Fakhrul said that rural communities now face emerging challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, food security and youth unemployment, adding that CIRDAP is promoting climate-resilient agriculture, rural entrepreneurship and stronger regional cooperation.

He also says the organisation is working to expand its membership by bringing in 40 more Asia-Pacific countries and strengthening partnerships with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).

Outlining the government’s rural initiatives, the minister says agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 have been fully waived for small farmers, benefiting more than 1.2 million farmers.

He also announced a five-year programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country to improve irrigation and boost agricultural productivity.

The minister said that low-income women-headed households are receiving monthly financial assistance through the Family Card programme, while the Farmer Card initiative is making it easier for farmers to access subsidised agricultural inputs, loans, insurance and market facilities.

He added that greater investment in education and healthcare will further strengthen the capabilities of rural communities.

Fakhrul said that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, remains committed to improving the quality of life and livelihoods of rural people. He also commends CIRDAP for its contributions over the past 47 years and welcomes the growing international recognition of World Rural Development Day.