The government has announced a series of major development initiatives for Bogura, including a 400-acre industrial park, a multidimensional university, the Bogura-Sirajganj railway line, resumption of domestic flights at Bogura airport, an overpass over the railway line in the city, a road zone, an international-standard football stadium and the revival of the Karatoya River.
The plans were announced at the induction ceremony of the newly elected executive committee of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Momin Convention Centre on Saturday.
Three ministers and state ministers attending the event pledged to address what they described as longstanding disparities and neglect of Bogura and the wider northern region.
Speaking as the chief guest, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said surveys conducted by the government had identified significant demand for industrial development in Bogura.
“Bogura has enormous potential for industrial growth, but development has not kept pace with that demand. We will establish a BSCIC industrial park on 400 acres of land,” he said.
He said the government would take necessary steps to harness Bogura's industrial and commercial potential.
“Bogura is at the heart of our emotions. We will take the necessary initiatives to utilise the industrial and business potential of this region,” he added.
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Islam inaugurated the programme.
In his speech, he said Bogura had made significant contributions to Bangladesh's political and economic development.
“Bogura has been deprived of development for the past 20 years. There is no doubt about that. Yet the people of Bogura have made important contributions to the country's economic prosperity,” he said.
He described the people of the region as hardworking and honest, adding that developing Bogura was essential to the country's overall progress.
Rail link, airport projects
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam outlined several planned projects for Bogura.
He said the foundation stone of the long-awaited Bogura-Sirajganj railway line would be laid by the prime minister in November or December.
The rail link is expected to improve connectivity between the northern region and other parts of the country and facilitate trade and economic activity.
On Bogura Airport, the state minister said efforts were underway to resume domestic flights by January 2027.
“We are trying to ensure that the airport can at least begin operating on domestic routes by January 2027,” he said.
He also said construction of a drone manufacturing plant would begin next month.
Overpass planned to ease city congestion
An overpass will be constructed over the railway line in Bogura city to ease traffic congestion, Mir Shahe Alam said.
The project is expected to reduce congestion at key railway crossings and improve movement through the city.
A separate road zone is also planned for Bogura, according to the officials.
International football stadium, sports village
The government also plans to establish a sports village at Tinmatha in Bogura, the state minister said.
The facility will include an international-standard football stadium and other sports infrastructure.
The initiative is expected to create better opportunities for athletes in the region and strengthen Bogura's sports infrastructure.
Karatoya River to be revived
The government has also undertaken initiatives to revive the Karatoya River, once a major waterway in the region.
“The Karatoya, once a fast-flowing river, is coming back to life through government initiatives,” Mir Shahe Alam said.
He also highlighted Bogura's economic and geographical importance, saying people from 13 districts travel through the district.
“Bogura is prosperous in every respect, including agriculture and industry. For the past 20 years, the district has been deprived in various ways. Now development is being carried out on the basis of fairness to address that deficit,” he said.
Plans for establishing a multidimensional university in Bogura were also highlighted at the event.
If implemented, the proposed projects are expected to strengthen Bogura's industrial base while improving transport, education, aviation, sports and urban infrastructure.
The event was attended by Bogura-6 MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura-5 MP Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-4 MP Mosharraf Hossain, Bogura-7 MP Morshed Milton, Bogura-3 MP Abdul Muhit Talukdar, Bogura City Corporation Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, BSCIC Chairman Benjir Ahmed, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman, TMSS Executive Director Dr Hosne Ara Begum and Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Advocate Hamidul Haque Chowdhury Hiru, among others.
Bogura Chamber President Atikur Rahman Badal chaired the programme, which was attended by business leaders, industrialists, politicians, government officials and representatives of different professions.
