DHAKA, July 18, 2018 (BSS) – Experts at a discussion today stressed the
need for taking integrated growth and target oriented programmes under rural
development strategy to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“Rural development strategy must combine both growth and target oriented
programmes. Therefore, industrialisation, export promotion, trade expansion
and liberalisation of the economy must be integrated,” former governor of
Bangladesh Bank Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told the discussion.
The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific
(Cirdap) arranged the discussion at its auditorium here, marking the 39th
founding anniversary of the regional development organisation.
State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Md Mashiur Rahman Ranga, former
Director General of Cirdap Dr Durga Prasad Paudyal, Rural Development and
Cooperatives Division Secretary SM Ghulam Farooque and Cirdap Director
General Tevita G Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, among others, spoke at the meeting.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ranga said the country has excelled in poverty
reduction through bringing innovation in safety net programmes, financial
inclusion and comprehensive rural development initiatives.
Nonetheless, he said, Bangladesh needs to strengthen its international and
global network to secure partnership in development.
The state minister said Cirdap member countries need to reorient their
focus on policy issues relating to diversification of their rural economies.
He hoped that Cirdap would continue serving the people of the Asia pacific
region as a centre of excellence in rural development.
Making his power-point presentation on ‘Transformation of the Rural Sector
in Bangladesh’, Salehuddin said rural development should be attempted with a
balance overall development strategy.
“Therefore, programme interventions must fit the overall scenery and macro
policies of the country,” he added.
The economist recommended enhancing further the role of local government
institutions in maintenance of infrastructure, provision of health services
and managing educational institutions.
He underscored the need for widening and deepening the linkage between
agricultural products and agro-processing industries as agricultural
practices are getting modernised.
The former BB governor said the strategies for agriculture and rural
transformation should consist of increasing agricultural productivity and
product diversification and encouraging private initiatives for value
addition in line with climate change adaptation approaches.
He urged the government to devote more resources for agricultural research
and extension.