Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the government is firmly committed to advancing rural development across Bangladesh. Speaking on Monday at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized that true prosperity cannot be achieved if villages lag behind cities. The event marked CIRDAP’s 47th founding anniversary and the second World Rural Development Day, attended for the first time by ambassadors and high commissioners from Asia-Pacific countries.

The minister highlighted that rural communities are facing new challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, food security, and youth unemployment. He said CIRDAP is leading efforts in climate-resilient agriculture and rural entrepreneurship, while expanding its regional activities by including 40 Asia-Pacific countries and partnering with the Pacific Islands Development Forum. He added that since taking office in February 2026, the government has prioritized rural welfare, introducing programs such as agricultural loan waivers for small farmers, canal re-excavation projects, and financial support through Family and Farmer Cards.

Mirza Fakhrul noted that the government aims to strengthen rural administration and infrastructure, and under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is determined to bring qualitative improvements to rural life.