Bogura: LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the importance of prioritizing research, innovation, and productive activities over political debates. He stated that the outcomes of research must be implemented at the field level to enhance farmers' income and bolster the rural economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister delivered these remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the '36th Annual Planning Conference-2026' as the chief guest at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, as mentioned in a PID release. Prior to the event, he explored the green technology exhibition curated by the RDA and planted a sapling of a Burmese grape tree.
Mirza Fakhrul highlighted that while political discussions are prevalent in the country, the advancements in research and innovation often do not get the recognition they deserve. He pointed out that technologies developed by researchers have the potential to significantly boost farmers' productivity and urged the media to give more attention to such achievements.
He identified that the primary challenge for farmers is not production, but rather securing fair prices for their produce. The minister also underscored the necessity of enhancing research on the development of cold storage, preservation, and marketing systems, while also encouraging private investment in these areas.
Mirza Fakhrul called on young people to consider entrepreneurship, suggesting that they engage in agriculture-based initiatives as well as preservation and marketing systems. This approach, he noted, would not only create employment opportunities but also benefit farmers.
The event was chaired by Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury and attended by Bogura-5 lawmaker Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-1 lawmaker Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque, and other concerned officials.