Khulna: Md Firoz Shah, Acting Divisional Commissioner of Khulna, here today emphasized the significant role of cooperatives in enhancing the living standards and economic advancement of underprivileged communities. He delivered these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held in the Khulna Deputy Commissioner's conference room, marking the 54th National Cooperative Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized collaboratively by the Department of Cooperatives and Khulna District Cooperative Union, with support from the district administration. The theme for this year was "Cooperatives build the nation through equality and equity." Md Firoz Shah highlighted the collective efforts fostered by cooperatives, which contribute to poverty alleviation, social security, discipline, women's empowerment, and providing loans and training to rural areas. He called for strengthening the cooperative movement to build an equitable and prosperous nation.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman presided over the meeting. Md. Nurunnabi, Joint Registrar of the Divisional Cooperative Office, presented the keynote paper, while District Cooperative Officer Syed Jasim Uddin delivered the welcome speech. Other speakers included Masuda Parvin, Principal of Khulna Regional Cooperative Institute, Advocate Nazmul Hossain, President of Khulna District Cooperative Union, and cooperative members Bishnupada Roy and Md. Maruf Billah.
Syed Jasim Uddin provided detailed statistics on the cooperative societies in the district, which include 1,967 primary and 26 central registered societies. The government collected Tk 24,40,710 in revenue and audit fees and Tk 17,49,799 in cooperative development funds this year. Loans totaling Tk 43,16,500 were disbursed, with Tk 40,81,598 recovered under two housing projects. In Asrayan Project-2, Tk 21,75,000 in loans were disbursed and Tk 18,09,410 recovered, with another phase distributing Tk 1,44,77,500 and recovering Tk 99,21,960.
Further detailed were the "Expansion of Dairy Cooperative Societies in Two Upazilas" project, which disbursed Tk 7.56 crore and recovered Tk 5.07 crore, and the "Improving the Livelihoods of Disadvantaged Women through Rearing High-Yielding Cows" project, distributing Tk 7.66 crore and recovering Tk 4.97 crore. The Family Welfare Project and the Strengthening Project both achieved full recovery of their respective loans.
Later, four cooperative societies and two individual members from six districts of Khulna Division received awards. Earlier in the day, a colorful procession started from Shaheed Hadis Park, traveled through city streets, and concluded at the Collectorate premises, with participation from various community members.