Dhaka: The 54th National Cooperative Day was celebrated today here as elsewhere across the country with due dignity, enthusiasm, and festivity. This year's theme of the day was "Cooperatives will build the country through equality and equity".
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the central programme was held at the headquarters of the Department of Cooperatives in Agargaon in the capital, where a colorful event marked the day. As part of the celebration, the national and cooperative flags were hoisted in the morning at the department premises. Md. Ismail Hossain, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary (Routine Duties), inaugurated the ceremony by releasing pigeons and balloons. A documentary highlighting the progress and achievements of Bangladesh's cooperative sector was also screened.
Md. Ismail Hossain emphasized the cooperative movement as a powerful tool for collective effort and economic emancipation. His speech underscored a commitment to ensuring that every citizen benefits from the spirit of cooperation, aligning with the day's theme. Registrar and Director General (Additional Charge) of the Department of Cooperatives, Munima Hafiz, highlighted the role of cooperative societies in reducing economic disparity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She urged stakeholders to uphold cooperative principles in their activities.
In Bagerhat, a colorful rally and discussion were held at Chitalmari upazila of the district. The program, presided over by Upazila Cooperative Officer Molla Saiful Islam, featured speeches from Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Sajjad Hossain and Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Sifat Al Maruf. A check of Taka 2 lakh was handed over to Chanda Mandal and Krishna Mandal for raising improved breed cows.
In Kurigram, the district Cooperative Office organized a discussion meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's Swapna Kuri Auditorium. Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz attended as the chief guest. The meeting highlighted that 2,108 people in the district have become self-reliant through cooperative societies, emphasizing the expansion of the cooperative movement for socio-economic development.
Chandpur also celebrated the day with colorful arrangements. A rally organized by the district administration and district cooperative department preceded a discussion meeting led by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin Uddin. The speakers reinforced the cooperative movement as a driving force for economic development and poverty eradication.
In Magura, Deputy Commissioner Md. Ohidul Islam attended a discussion meeting where speakers addressed challenges in garment production and marketing. They advocated for low-interest loans and assistance from cooperative banks to foster entrepreneurship and agricultural development.
The 54th National Cooperative Day was also celebrated with various programs in districts such as Satkhira, Gopalganj, Rajbari, and others, underscoring the day's national significance.