State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam MP has said Bogura has long been deprived of its fair share of development with residents facing regional disparities over the past two decades.
Although the current government has been in office for only seven months, visible results will take some time, he said, adding that the government has clear plans to transform the district into a major centre for industry, transport, education, healthcare and urban development.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Bogura’s Development: Problems, Prospects and Challenges” organised by national daily Bangladesh Pratidin at Momoin Convention Centre in Bogura on Thursday. The event was held from 11am to 2pm.
Bogura, known for its agricultural production and the ancient civilisation of Pundranagara, generates an annual food surplus worth around Tk.35 billion, the state minister said. Despite its economic potential, the district has not received the development it deserves, he added. Major infrastructure projects planned
Outlining the government's development agenda, Mir Shahe Alam said a plan involving approximately Tk.10 billion was being considered for the Arafat Rahman Koko Para Sports Village. Construction of a multi-purpose airport in Bogura was also at an advanced stage, he said.
Referring to the Bogura–Sirajganj railway project, he cited an estimated cost of Tk.105.7 billion, saying the project would significantly improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity across northern Bangladesh.
The state minister said Tk.19.94 billion had been allocated for infrastructure development under Bogura City Corporation. Plans also included Tk.35 billion for development across the district's 13 upazilas and Tk.20 billion for municipalities.
The processes for establishing Bogura WASA and the Bogura Development Authority were nearing completion, he said. Work on a specialised industrial park under the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) was also expected to begin soon.
Roads, hospitals and urban development
The government is taking initiatives to upgrade several highways to four or six lanes, the state minister said. An initial allocation of Tk.700 million had been made to ease traffic congestion and improve the city's appearance.
Plans were also underway to address erosion along the Jamuna River, improve water conservation through dam or water-retention infrastructure, and expand healthcare services. He said there were plans to construct 151-bed hospitals in each of the district's 13 upazilas. The government also intends to develop Bogura University into a centre for higher education and research and construct a four-lane road along the Karatoa River.
Calls for equal development across the country
Referring to national development allocations, Mir Shahe Alam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman viewed all parts of the country equally.
Citing allocations of Tk 18 billion for Rangpur City Corporation and Tk 17 billion for development in Gopalganj district, he said the government's objective was to improve living standards in every region rather than favour any particular area.
He also described the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja as a positive achievement, stressing that ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, was a government responsibility.
“Hindus do not belong to anyone's pocket. They have demonstrated this through the last election. They made their political decisions independently” he said.
Addressing BNP leaders and activists, the state minister urged them to remember the history of political repression and regional deprivation over the past two decades. He criticised the development record of the Awami League and referred to the experiences of authoritarian rule under the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin period.
He also called on party members to avoid internal hostility and propaganda, urging them to work together for Bogura's interests.
“Instead of spreading propaganda out of jealousy, let us encourage good work. For the sake of Bogura, let us stand united” he said.
The minister further encouraged households to install rooftop solar panels as part of efforts to address energy challenges.
Rumon pledges to end Bogura's deprivation
Speaking as the chief speaker, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Bogura, a key economic and administrative centre in northern Bangladesh, had been deprived of development for too long.
“The deprivation must end, and Bogura must be developed. We will do it, Insha'Allah,” he said. He alleged that development promises made to Bogura over the past two decades had not been adequately fulfilled and urged stakeholders to work together to implement the prime minister's development plans for the district.
Referring to a stadium named after Arafat Rahman Koko, Rumon said the facility had previously remained neglected despite its significance.
He also expressed satisfaction over the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja and said there had been no significant untoward incidents anywhere in the country.
Addressing journalists, he called for independent and factual reporting.
“Present the truth as truth. You have freedom. Even if the truth goes against someone, we welcome it,” he said.
The meeting was chaired by Loton Ekram, editor of Bangladesh Pratidin. Among those who addressed the event were Bogura-6 MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura-3 MP Abdul Muhit Talukder, BNP Media Cell convener Dr Mawdu Islam Alamgir Pavel, Press Institute of Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif, BNP chairman's adviser Advocate Mahbubur Rahman, Bogura City Corporation administrator MR Islam Swadhin, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development in Bogura Director General Abdul Majid, Bogura University Vice-Chancellor Kudrat-e-Jahan, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman, Police Superintendent Mirza Sayem Mahmud, TMSS Executive Director Dr Hosne Ara Begum, Bogura Press Club President Rezaul Hasan Ranu, its General Secretary Kalam Azad, Bogura Television Reporters' Unity President Mohon Akand and Naz Garden proprietor Shokrana, among others.
