State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives, Mir Shahe Alam MP, stated that Bogra—the heartland of the northern region and a symbol of 2,500 years of civilization in Pundranagar—has long been deprived of development. He remarked that the people of Bogra have been victims of development disparity for the past 20 years. As the current government has been in power for only seven months, visible development will take some time, but the government has a clear and explicit plan for Bogra's progress.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at an exchange meeting discussing the development potential, problems, and challenges of Bogra, organized by the leading national daily Bangladesh Pratidin at the MomIn Convention Center on Thursday, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The State Minister noted that Bogra is an agriculturally surplus district, producing a food surplus worth approximately 3,500 crore BDT annually. Yet, this promising district has been deprived of expected growth for a long time. The government is actively working to transform Bogra into one of the country's most critical hubs in terms of industry, communication, education, healthcare, and urbanization.
Highlighting specific development projects for Bogra, Mir Shahe Alam stated that there is a plan to spend nearly 1,000 crore BDT to build the Arafat Rahman Koko Para Sports Village. The construction of a multi-dimensional airport in Bogra is in its final stages. Regarding the Bogra-Sirajganj railway project, he mentioned an allocation of 10,570 crore BDT, adding that its completion will inject new momentum into the transport network and economy of the northern region.
He further detailed that 1,994 crore BDT has been allocated for the infrastructural development of Bogra City Corporation. Plans have also been made to allocate 3,500 crore BDT for the development of the district's 13 upazilas and 2,000 crore BDT for its municipalities. The process of establishing the Bogra WASA and the Bogra Development Authority is in its final phase. Funds have been allocated to construct and upgrade rest houses (dak bungalows) in various upazilas, and work on the BSCIC Industrial Park will commence soon.
To boost road connectivity, initiatives are underway to upgrade major highways to four and six lanes. The State Minister shared that 70 crore BDT has been initially allocated to ease traffic congestion and beautify the city. Plans are also in place to prevent erosion along the Karatoya and Jamuna rivers, build damp stations for water conservation, and expand healthcare services. There is a plan to build 151-bed hospitals across all 13 upazilas in the district. Furthermore, efforts are being made to turn Bogra University into a multi-dimensional center for higher education and research, alongside constructing a four-lane road along the Karatoya River.
Addressing national development allocations, Mir Shahe Alam emphasized that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman treats all regions of the country equally. He pointed out that 1,800 crore BDT was allocated for Rangpur City Corporation and 1,700 crore BDT for the development of Gopalganj district, proving that the government's aim is to improve the living standards of people in every region, rather than focusing on a specific area.
Highlighting the peaceful celebration of SharadIya Durga Puja as a positive achievement of the government, the State Minister noted that the Hindu community's major religious festival was held peacefully. He claimed that for the first time in the nation's 55-year history, a Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Hindu community through three separate programs. He added that an additional 1,200 puja mandaps were built this year.
Mir Shahe Alam remarked, "Hindus are not anyone's pocket vote; they proved this in the last election. They made their political decisions independently. The current government aims to reflect their rights and dignity. Ensuring the safety and rights of every citizen, regardless of religion or caste, is the responsibility of the government."
Addressing BNP leaders and activists, the State Minister said that the Awami League deceived the people of the northern region under the guise of development. People also experienced autocratic rule during the Moeen U Ahmed-Fakhruddin government. He urged that these past experiences should not be forgotten, calling on BNP members not only to speak about the oppression of the last 17 years but also to highlight the 20-year history of torture and deprivation.
Calling for an end to smear campaigns and politics of malice within the party itself, Mir Shahe Alam said, "Bots and moles exist not just in Awami League or Jamaat, but within our own party as well. Spreading propaganda out of jealousy yields no benefit. Let us encourage good work and stand shoulder to shoulder for the interest of Bogra."
To address urban traffic congestion and energy shortages, he urged residents to install solar panels on every rooftop in Bogra. Calling for victory for BNP-supported candidates in local government elections, he concluded, "Ignoring safety risks, the humanitarian Prime Minister is mingling with the public and going among the people. Everyone must work together side by side with him to advance Bogra. Insha'Allah, we will move Bogra forward."
Speaking as the principal speaker, the Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, said, "Bogra, the heart of the northern region, has long been neglected. We must bring an end to this deprivation and develop Bogra. Insha'Allah, we will do it. You are witnesses to the hypocrisy regarding Bogra's development over the past 20 years."
He stated that to ensure genuine progress, everyone must strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a son of Bogra. He lamented that although a stadium was built in the name of Arafat Rahman Koko, it was left in neglect. Mentioning that the Prime Minister has a clear plan for Bogra, Rumon called upon all stakeholders to work unitedly to execute it.
Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, he noted that no untoward incidents occurred anywhere in the country. Addressing journalists, the Additional Press Secretary remarked, "Present the truth as it is. You have complete freedom. Even if reporting the truth goes against someone, we will welcome it."
Chaired by the Editor of Daily Bangladesh Pratidin, Loton Ekram, the meeting was also addressed by MP for Bogra-6 Rezaul Karim Badsha, MP for Bogra-3 Abdul Muhit Talukder, Convener of BNP Media Cell Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, PIB Director General Faruq Wasif, Advisor to the BNP Chairman Advocate Mahbur Rahman, Bogra City Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, Director General of Bogra Rural Development Academy Abdul Majid, Bogra University Vice-Chancellor Kudrat-e-Jahan, Bogra District Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud, TMSS Executive Director Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, Bogra Press Club President Rezaul Hasan Ranu, General Secretary Kalam Azad, Bogra Television Reporters Unit President Mohan Akanda, and owner of Naz Garden Shokrana, among others.
