Md Rakel Islam, Bogura

A series of development plans have been announced in Bogra, including the BSCIC Industrial Park on 400 acres of land, laying the foundation stone of the Bogura-Sirajganj railway, launching flights at the international airport, an overpass on the city's railway line, construction of an international football stadium and a sports village, and the revitalization of the Karatoya River.

At the same time, the government's three ministers and state ministers have expressed their determination to ensure fair development of the northern region, including Bogura, by overcoming long-standing discrimination and neglect.

These development plans were mentioned in the speeches of three government ministers and state ministers at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected board of directors of the Bogra Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Momin Convention Center in Bogra on Saturday at 11 am. This has instilled new hope among businessmen and industrialists.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Ministry Khandaker Abdul Muktadir MP said, there is a huge demand for the development of industry in Bogra. But Bogra has not developed much according to that demand. In view of this, a BSCIC industrial park will be built on 400 acres of land in Bogura .

He also said, "Bogra is the center of all our emotions. The government will take necessary initiatives to utilize the industrial and business potential of this region."

The program was inaugurated by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Islam. In his inaugural speech, he said, Bogra has enriched the politics of Bangladesh. The father of nationalism, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, is a son of Bogra. His contribution to the formation of the country will never be forgotten. The entire country can be grateful to Bogra for this.

He said, "There is no doubt that Bogra has been deprived for the last 20 years. However, the people of Bogra have made an important contribution to the economic prosperity of the country. The people of this region are hardworking and honest. Bogra is being developed in the interest of national progress."

The special guest of the event, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam MP, presented details of the government's various plans for the development of Bogra.

Regarding the Bogra-Sirajganj railway line, he said that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Bogra-Sirajganj railway line in November-December. Expressing optimism about the Bogra airport, the State Minister said that efforts are underway to make the airport operational at least on domestic routes by January 2027. Work on the drone manufacturing factory will begin next month.

He also informed about the plan to build an overpass over the railway line to ease traffic congestion in Bogra city. He said, "The overpass will be built over the railway line in Bogra city. This will greatly reduce traffic congestion in the city."

Regarding the Karatoya River, Mir Shahe Alam said that thanks to the government's initiatives, the once-roaring Karatoya River is coming back to life.

Highlighting the plan for developing sports infrastructure, he said that a sports village will be built at Tinmatha in Bogra. It will have all the necessary facilities for sports, including an international standard football stadium.

Highlighting the geographical and economic importance of Bogra, the State Minister said, Bogra is a food surplus district. The products produced in Bogra create a market worth about 3,500 crore taka and are exported to the entire country and abroad. People from 13 districts travel through Bogra. Bogra is prosperous in all aspects including agriculture and industry.

He said, "We have been neglected for so long. In a Bangladesh free of discrimination, development is being carried out on the basis of fairness by filling the deficit of Bogura."

The program also highlighted development plans for the construction of a multi-dimensional university in Bogra and the establishment of the Bogra Road Zone.

Bogura-6 MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogra-5 MP Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogra-4 MP Mosharraf Hossain, Bogra-7 MP Morshed Milton, Bogra-3 MP Abdul Muhit Talukder, Bogra City Corporation Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed, Bogra Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman, TMSS Executive Director Dr. Hosne Ara Begum and Bogra Chamber of Commerce and Industry General Secretary Advocate Hamidul Haque Chowdhury Hiru also spoke at the event.

The event, chaired by Atiqur Rahman Badal, the newly elected president of the Bogra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was attended by businessmen, industrialists, political leaders, government officials, and representatives of various classes and professions.