Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam highlighted today the government's commitment to prioritizing the development of safe, sustainable, and improved communication infrastructure to bolster the country's economic progress and overall growth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the government's efforts to enhance internal connectivity through a coordinated development approach involving roads, railways, and waterways, alongside expanding regional and international connectivity. He made these remarks during a courtesy meeting with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser at his Secretariat office.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam underscored Bangladesh's potential in the communications sector, stating that planned and coordinated infrastructure development is crucial to unlocking this potential. The meeting included discussions on the development of the country's communications and infrastructure sectors, ongoing projects, future plans, and potential areas of cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation in developing the road, railway, and water transport sectors.
The minister stressed the importance of modern management and proper maintenance of existing infrastructure, alongside new projects designed to meet the growing needs of the populace, ease traffic congestion, improve transport efficiency, and ensure safe travel. He linked the development of the communication system directly to economic growth, industrialization, investment, trade expansion, and employment generation.
Furthermore, Shaikh Rabiul Alam emphasized implementing long-term and coordinated plans for developing communication infrastructure, incorporating new and modern technologies in line with global advancements. He noted that the Islamic Development Bank's financing, experience, and technical assistance could significantly contribute to the development of the country's communication sectors.
He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and the Islamic Development Bank, describing it as a development partnership built on mutual trust and cooperation, contributing significantly to various sectors in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that IsDB's support for priority infrastructure projects would expand further in the future, creating new opportunities for planned and coordinated development in the road, railway, and water transport sectors.
Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser praised Bangladesh's development progress and recent achievements in the infrastructure sector, describing the country's economic prospects as 'extremely bright.' He emphasized that efficient, modern, and effective communication infrastructure could play a vital role in leveraging Bangladesh's strategic geographical location and growing economic capacity. Dr. Al Jasser reiterated the Islamic Development Bank's commitment to remaining a reliable development partner in Bangladesh's development journey, highlighting the significant scope for cooperation in the road, railway, and water transport sectors.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance mutual cooperation to advance the country's communication infrastructure. They committed to working closely in the future on financing and technical assistance for potential development projects in these sectors. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, anticipating a stronger and expanded development partnership between Bangladesh and the Islamic Development Bank in the future.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions, was present at the meeting.