UNB, Sangsad Bhaban :
Two more rural development academies–one in Melandaha upazila in Jamalpur district and another in Rangpur district-will be built.
One will be named as Sheikh Hasina Rural Development Academy, Jamalpur and other as Sheikh Russel Rural Development Academy, Rangpur.
Two separate bills were placed in Parliament in this regard on Thursday. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry Swapan Bhattacharya placed the two bills in Parliament.
The two bills were sent to the respective scrutiny committees for further examination and the committees were asked to submit their report within 60 days.
Now the country has two academies, one is Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) in Cumilla and another one is Rural Development Academy in Bogura.
Besides, the government has a plan to build another academy in Jashore.
As per the draft law, there will be a 21-member board to run the academy.
Minister or state minister or deputy minister for Rural Development and Cooperatives Division will act as the chairman of the board as ex officio while joint secretary or upper grade official will act as director general of the academy.
The rural development academy will conduct research activities and offer diploma degree on rural development or related subjects.