Rajshahi: Professor Dr. S M Abdul-Awal, Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), emphasized the need for proactive measures by field-level administration officials to ensure the successful implementation of the Prime Minister's signature projects. He stressed that vigilant oversight is crucial to prevent any obstruction of these projects, which are designed for public welfare.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. S M Abdul-Awal made these remarks during an exchange meeting with divisional and district-level officials on the progress of the Prime Minister's signature projects. The meeting was held in the conference hall of the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner. Dr. Abdul-Awal highlighted various projects, including the Family Card and Farmer Card, canal excavation, recruitment of 100,000 health workers, and the planting of 250 million trees, among others. He underlined the importance of these initiatives in promoting "Bangladeshi nationalism" and ensuring rights for all citizens, regardless of religious background.
Dr. Abdul-Awal directed Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to handle the allowances for religious leaders with responsibility and sincerity. He also called for the preparation of social and economic reports on the indigenous communities in the division. Addressing challenges in the canal excavation programme, he noted that more detailed discussions would be necessary in the future.
Discussing healthcare, he emphasized the significance of recruiting health workers and developing health complexes to deliver healthcare at the grassroots level. He also highlighted the Family Card's role in enhancing purchasing power and creating employment opportunities by boosting market demand.
He noted that each project was carefully considered to improve people's quality of life and encouraged officials to aspire to reach the development level achieved by Malaysia, despite the 14-year gap since the independence of Bangladesh. He assured that issues with PKSF or the NGO Affairs Bureau would be resolved through high-level coordination.
The meeting was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid, with special guests including Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mohammad Shahjahan and Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam. Senior officials from various government departments and all Upazila Nirbahi Officers of Rajshahi also attended.