Dhaka:The 55th National Cooperative Day was observed throughout Bangladesh with vibrant rallies, discussion meetings, exhibitions, and fairs emphasizing the role of cooperatives in socioeconomic development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this year's theme for the day is "Gorbo Somobay, Gorbo Desh. Sobar Jonno Bangladesh" (We will build cooperatives; we will build the country. Bangladesh for all). The Department of Cooperatives organized a program at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, where President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir served as the chief guest.
Addressing the event, the President highlighted the impact of corruption on many cooperative societies, which has left only a few organizations functioning successfully despite the country's long history of cooperative movements. He emphasized the need to eliminate corruption from cooperative organizations to restore their effectiveness and ensure sustainable development.
District administrations and cooperative offices conducted various programs nationwide. In Bogura, a rally, discussion meeting, and day-long cooperative fair were organized by the district administration and the District Cooperative Office. Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman chaired the meeting, with Bogura-6 lawmaker Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha as the chief guest, where ten cooperative societies were awarded for their contributions.
In Bagerhat, a rally and discussion meeting took place at Swadhinata Udyan, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten. Various cooperative societies displayed their products at stalls set up on the Udyan premises.
In Rangamati, the Hilly District Council and District Cooperative Office arranged a rally, discussion meeting, and cooperative fair, with Council Chairman Dipen Talukdar Dipu attending as the chief guest. Nine cooperative societies received awards, and speakers highlighted the role of cooperatives in self-employment and rural economic development.
In Chandpur, lawmaker Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik led a rally and discussion meeting, calling for strict actions against unregistered cooperative organizations exploiting people's savings. Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ziaur Rahman attended the event.
Feni district observed the day with a rally and discussion meeting chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Syeda Farhana Pritha, where speakers emphasized collective efforts to enhance production and entrepreneurship.
In Cumilla, a rally and discussion meeting were organized with Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter as the chief guest. She highlighted the district's historical contributions to rural development through BARD founder Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan's work.
In Jhalakathi, the district administration and Cooperative Department organized a rally and discussion meeting, where Deputy Commissioner Md. Momin Uddin attended as the chief guest. Speakers emphasized cooperatives' role in socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation, with ten stalls showcasing cooperative products.
Similar programs were held in Bagerhat, Shariatpur, Chandpur, Thakurgaon, Faridpur, Pirojpur, Narail, and other districts, marking the day with various activities.