‘Planned development to dramatically improve Bogura’s outlook’

The BNP government has adopted development initiatives that will gradually transform Bogura district, the “heart” of the norther region, local ruling party lawmakers and others have said at a discussion session.

The event was organised by the national daily Bangladesh Pratidin at the Momo Inn Convention Center in Bogura, with support from the non-profit TMSS. Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Loton Ekram chaired the discussion session, while Joint Editor Masud Karim moderated it.

Excerpts from the speakers’ remarks were compiled by Bangladesh Pratidin Special Correspondent Shafiul Alam Dolon, Bogura Bureau Chief Abdur Rahman Tulu, and Senior Reporter Shafiqul Islam Sohag in Dhaka.

Bogura long been deprived: State minister

The Bogura district is the heart of the northern region and also home to the ancient city of Pundranagara, a testament to 2,500 years of civilization. Despite all these, Bogura has long been deprived of the development it deserves, said State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam.

“Over the past 20 years, the people of Bogura have faced development disparities,” he alleged.

He said: “The current government has been in office for only seven months, and it will take some time for development to become visible. However, the government has a clear plan for Bogura’s development.

“Bogura is an agricultural-surplus district, generating an annual food surplus worth approximately Tk3,500 crore. Yet, this promising district has long been denied the development it deserves. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to transform Bogura into one of the country’s key regions in industry, communications, education, healthcare, and urbanization.

“The Awami League deceived the people of the northern region in the name of development. During the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin government, people also experienced authoritarian rule. These past experiences must not be forgotten.

“BNP leaders and activists should not limit their accounts of persecution to the past 17 years; they must also highlight the history of 20 years of oppression and deprivation. The party must also move away from internal disinformation and politics driven by hatred. Hidden and covert elements exist not only within the Awami League or Jamaat-e-Islami but also within their own party.

“There is no benefit in spreading misinformation out of hostility. Everyone must work together in unity for the interests of Bogura.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman views every part of the country equally. An allocation of Tk1,800 crore has been made for Rangpur City Corporation’s development, while Tk1,700 crore has been allocated for development in Gopalganj district. Development is not intended for any particular area; the government’s goal is to improve the quality of life of people in every region of the country.”

No environment for journalism in 17 years: Bangladesh Pratidin editor

For the past 17 years, there was no environment conducive to journalism in the country and the journalists had their hands tied, said Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Loton Ekram.

“News was published according to instructions from the top simply to keep newspapers’ publication declarations intact. Media owners were under pressure from an authoritarian government,” he alleged.

“At a recent meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and newspaper editors, I told the prime minister that his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, had been media-friendly. I expressed hope that he would continue that tradition and support the media,” Loton Ekram said.

“But the media did not treat my parents well,” the Bangladesh Pratidin editor quoted the PM as saying.

“I replied that perhaps our predecessors had been unable to do so because the circumstances did not allow it. However, those of us currently serving as editors would maintain a constructive relationship. We would praise the government’s positive initiatives and offer constructive criticism when it made mistakes. If the government responded to such criticism by addressing problems rather than becoming hostile toward the media outlet or journalist concerned, the government, the country, and the people would all benefit,” Loton Ekram said, recollecting his interactions with Tarique Rahman.

Three members of the same family from Bogura have served as heads of government: first, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman; then his wife, Begum Khaleda Zia; and now Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“If three people from the same region have held the country’s highest executive office, one might expect that little development work would remain unfinished there,” Loton Ekram said.

However, subsequent governments did not maintain the continuity of the development initiatives undertaken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, he alleged.

“Development in this region means more than the development of Bogura alone; it means the overall advancement of the northern region,” he said.

“Demands such as the swift implementation of announcements regarding the establishment of Bogura University and an international airport, setting up a full-fledged radio station, declaring Bogura a division, improving roads, easing traffic congestion, constructing overpasses at railway crossings, creating employment opportunities, and exporting agricultural products should receive serious consideration,” Loton Ekram said.

PM has a master plan for Bogura: Addl Press Secy

Bogura, the heart of the northern region, has long been deprived of development, said Atikur Rahman Ruman, additional press secretary of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“This deprivation must end, and Bogura must be developed. Insha’Allah, we will make it happen,” he said, speaking on behalf of the BNP government.

“Over the past 20 years, there has been hypocrisy surrounding Bogura’s development. To ensure genuine progress, people must strengthen the position of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a son of Bogura.”

He further said: “A stadium named after Arafat Rahman Koko was built, but it was left neglected and poorly maintained. The prime minister has a master plan for Bogura’s development. Everyone concerned must work together to implement it.

“I would urge Bangladesh Pratidin to report the truth as it is. You have complete freedom. Even if the truth you publish reflects unfavorably on someone, we will welcome it.

“I am pleased that the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations were completed peacefully. There were no significant untoward incidents anywhere in the country.

“Alongside infrastructure development, the property rights and livelihoods of local residents must also be considered. Future development projects should incorporate public consultation, transparent land acquisition procedures, and fair compensation.

“Over the past 17 years, Bogura has not made the expected progress in establishing major educational institutions, technical training centres, and important government infrastructure.”

16 districts will benefit, says BNP media chief

To end the longstanding deprivation of the northern region, an integrated development plan must be adopted with Bogura at its centre, said Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, chief of BNP’s media cell.

“It is not reasonable to regard the British colonial period as the sole benchmark for development and civilization. Approximately 2,500 years ago, the ancient city of Pundranagara was centred in the area now known as Mahasthangarh in Bogura. The district’s development potential must be reassessed in light of this historical heritage and its geographical significance.

“Although Rajshahi has an advantage in terms of major institutions, including divisional headquarters, a medical college, and a university, Bogura’s geographical position is important for people across the northern region. Its central location should have been given greater consideration in ensuring public services.

“Development in Bogura does not mean development for Bogura district alone; people in other northern districts will also benefit. Improvements to road infrastructure and the dredging of the Karatoa River, for example, would positively affect the regional economy and people’s daily lives.

“Sixteen districts will benefit from Bogura’s development.

“The development process is already underway. People must be willing to make land available for roads and industrial facilities. The region’s industry and culture must also be developed.

“The development of Bogura is the development of the country.”

Traffic congestion one of the main problems, says lawmaker

As the birthplace of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and a stronghold of the BNP, Bogura has long been deprived of development, said Rezaul Karim Badsha, lawmaker of Bogura-6 constituency and a leader of the ruling BNP.

“The people of Bogura have high expectations, but bureaucratic complications are delaying local development initiatives,” he said.

Badsha further said: “There has been no visible progress on the Bogura airport project. Similarly, efforts to establish Bogura University and develop an industrial park are facing alleged conspiracies and obstacles.

“Traffic congestion is one of the major problems in Bogura city. Effective planning and improvements to road infrastructure are urgently needed to address the problem.

“The Karatoa River must also be dredged to restore its navigability. Constructing a four-lane road along the eastern side of the river would significantly improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote business and trade.

“To end Bogura’s longstanding deprivation, the development of the airport, university, industrial park, and communications infrastructure must be implemented without delay.”