Mirza Fakhrul Says Rural Development a Top Government Priority

Bangla Press Desk: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the current government, which assumed office in February 2026, has placed rural development at the centre of its agenda and undertaken a series of programmes for the overall welfare of rural people in line with its election manifesto.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme as the chief guest at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) auditorium in the capital, marking the organisation's 47th founding anniversary and the second World Rural Development Day, UNB reports. 

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

He said this year's observance of CIRDAP's 47th anniversary and the second World Rural Development Day is particularly significant as, for the first time, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region have participated in the event.

Fakhrul said World Rural Development Day is observed every year on July 6. CIRDAP was established in 1979 through the initiative of Bangladesh, other countries in the region and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the day commemorates that milestone.

He said Bangladesh is currently serving as the Chair of the CIRDAP Governing Council and has played a leading role in proposing UN recognition of the observance.

Highlighting CIRDAP's contributions, the minister said the organisation has played a significant role over the past five decades in promoting regional integration, reducing poverty and strengthening the capacity of its member states.

According to him, CIRDAP has implemented 215 research programmes and 350 capacity-building initiatives, while arranging training for more than 8,000 government officials.

Through its digital networks and publications, the organisation now reaches over 120,000 stakeholders, creating a bridge between policymaking and implementation, he added.

The minister said rural communities are now facing new challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, food security and youth unemployment.

To address these issues, he said, CIRDAP is taking a leading role in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.

He also said the organisation is expanding its regional activities by pursuing the inclusion of 40 more Asia-Pacific countries as members and strengthening partnerships with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).

As the host country, Bangladesh considers supporting CIRDAP both a responsibility and a matter of pride, he said, adding that since independence, the country has emerged as a global model in rural development.

Fakhrul said the government has completely waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for small farmers, benefiting more than 1.2 million farmers.

He also announced that the government will implement a programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years to restore irrigation systems and increase agricultural productivity.

The minister said the government is providing monthly financial assistance to low-income women-headed families through the Family Card programme.

He added that under the Farmer Card programme, farmers will have easier access to subsidised agricultural inputs, loans, insurance and market facilities.

He also said the government has given priority to the education and health sectors, which will help enhance the capabilities of rural communities.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government remains committed to bringing qualitative improvements to the lives and livelihoods of rural people, Fakhrul said.

In his speech, the minister praised CIRDAP's 47 years of service and welcomed the international recognition of World Rural Development Day.