Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced today that the government is committed to supporting rural women in marketing their handicrafts on an international scale. "There is a huge demand abroad for handicrafts made by women from rural areas. Members of various BRDB associations are contributing to the country's economic development by becoming self-reliant through their own initiative and hard work," he remarked.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Alamgir made these statements while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB) divisional office at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium. As the chief guest, he also distributed tree saplings, small and entrepreneurial loans, and incentive cheques to beneficiaries, including teenage girls.
The event was presided over by Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury, Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. Minister Alamgir, who is also the BNP Secretary General, emphasized the government's focus on women's education and empowerment, noting that various effective steps have been taken to ensure women can pursue higher education free of charge up to the graduation level.
He also highlighted the importance of technical education in addressing unemployment, pointing out the increasing demand for skilled workers in the international labor market. "Therefore, unemployed youths should receive technical training and take advantage of employment opportunities abroad. This will help improve their financial condition while making an important contribution to the country's economy," he stated.
Discussing the development of the Rangpur region, Minister Alamgir revealed plans to establish an agricultural hub to boost farmers' incomes and ensure proper storage of agricultural produce. The government is also undertaking initiatives to make products from the region export-oriented, offering necessary support to accelerate socio-economic development.
Minister Alamgir underscored various public welfare initiatives led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, such as the Krishak Card, agricultural loan waiver, Family Card, and canal excavation programme, which are pivotal to the country's overall development. The event was attended by several notable figures, including BRDB Director General AKM Tarek and Rangpur-3 lawmaker Mahbubar Rahman Belal.
Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated the Rangpur divisional BRDB office in a ceremony at the wholesale fish market area near the Rangpur Central Bus Terminal. He also inaugurated the three-day 'Palli Mela-2026' at the Rangpur Central Shaheed Minar premises, featuring 29 stalls, open from 10 am to 7 pm daily. The events attracted government officials, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, and a diverse array of attendees.