Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said a prosperous Bangladesh cannot be achieved without the development of its rural areas, emphasizing that villages and rural communities remain the foundation of the country’s overall progress.
In a message issued today on the eve of the country’s first-ever National Rural Development Day-2026, to be observed tomorrow, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to bringing every citizen into the mainstream of development through the establishment of a just, participatory and people-oriented state system.
“The government is working to bring every citizen into the mainstream of development as part of its commitment to establishing a just, participatory and people-oriented state system,” he said.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Developed Villages, Prosperous Nation, Bangladesh First,” Tarique Rahman said the slogan reflects both the government’s development vision and the aspirations of the people.
The Prime Minister noted that nearly 68 percent of Bangladesh’s population lives in rural areas, contributing significantly to national development through agriculture, small enterprises, cottage industries and various local economic activities.
“Rural development, therefore, is one of the key pillars for building an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.
Recalling the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said the late president introduced his landmark 19-point programme in 1977, outlining a comprehensive strategy for national development centered on agricultural growth, decentralization of administration, strengthening local government, achieving food self-sufficiency and revitalizing the rural economy.
He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, including rural infrastructure development, increased agricultural production, expansion of irrigation facilities, agricultural loan waivers and support for microcredit programmes aimed at strengthening the rural economy.
Tarique Rahman said the present government has already initiated a range of programmes in line with its electoral commitments, including the introduction of Farmer Cards, Family Cards, canal re-excavation projects, agricultural loan waivers, rural infrastructure development and skills development programmes for women and youth.
Calling for collective efforts to accelerate rural development, the Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) and all stakeholders to work with dedication and sincerity.
“Active public participation, innovation and coordinated efforts will help build modern, productive and prosperous rural communities,” he said.
Extending his greetings and congratulations to the rural people across the country, the Prime Minister wished every success to the programmes marking the inaugural National Rural Development Day-2026.
