Staff Correspondent

State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, MP, inaugurated a farmers' mini cold storage facility in Ward No. 75 under Khilgaon police station in the capital on Thursday to enhance post-harvest preservation capacity for local growers.

Implemented under the agricultural rehabilitation assistance program for the 2025–26 fiscal year, the facility was formally opened adjacent to the Gournagar Central Jame Mosque in the Dhaka-9 constituency.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Habibur Rashid stated that the pilot facility—functioning much like a large-scale refrigerator—will enable grassroots farmers to store perishable produce safely. He noted that proper utilization and maintenance of the unit would pave the way for expanding similar government-backed storage infrastructure across the region.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure development across Dhaka-9, the state minister announced that the tender process for the long-awaited Kayetpara Bridge is expected to conclude this month, with construction scheduled to begin by January or February next year. 

Regarding canal recovery and urban drainage, Rashid stated that drives to clear and reclaim the Manda and Jirani canals from encroachment are moving forward with the involvement of the Bangladesh Navy, following joint site inspections by the State Minister for LGRD, senior secretaries, and the Dhaka South City Corporation administrator. 

Calling on BNP.eaders and activists to earn public trust through service and accountability, he urged everyone to work unitedly to honor the sacrifices of the July-August mass uprising and advance national development. Local dignitaries and BNP leaders attended the event.