Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent

A consultation meeting on the comprehensive and long-term development plan for Bagerhat was held on Friday night with the participation of government officials, public representatives, political leaders, professionals, and distinguished members of civil society.

The meeting, organized by the Bagerhat Officers Forum at the Sonatola Conference Hall of the Bagerhat Zila Parishad Building, was chaired by the Forum's President and former Secretary, Dr. Md. Faridul Islam.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Barrister Qaiser Kamal MP, attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, Administrator of Bagerhat Zila Parishad Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain, and Convener of Bagerhat District BNP Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim.

Among others present were Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten, Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar, US-based CPA Rafiqul Islam, and Joint Secretary and General Secretary of the Bagerhat Officers Forum Zakir Hossain.

Addressing the gathering, Barrister Qaiser Kamal said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working with the vision of "Bangladesh First" to ensure sustainable national development. He emphasized that close coordination between the elected government, public administration, and political leadership is essential for long-term development and human resource advancement.

He also stated that the government has given priority to the education and health sectors to ensure citizens receive quality services within the country. According to him, improved road connectivity, the proposed airport, and expanded employment opportunities in the coastal region would open new prospects for Bagerhat's economic growth.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam highlighted the importance of upgrading the Khulna-Mongla Highway, constructing a sustainable coastal embankment to address salinity, and establishing the proposed airport to accelerate the district's development.

He further said that setting up a medical university, technical college, and ICT-based training institutes would create skilled manpower, generate employment, and reduce local dependence on the Sundarbans. Modern salinity management, he added, would also increase agricultural production alongside shrimp farming and encourage greater investment in the region.

The meeting was attended by military and civil administration officials, prominent citizens, political leaders, representatives of cultural and professional organizations, journalists, and members of the local community. Participants presented various recommendations focusing on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, employment generation, and investment expansion in Bagerhat.

Earlier in the evening, Barrister Qaiser Kamal visited the grave of the late Badal Morol, President of the Krishak Dal of Baruipara Union under Bagerhat Sadar Upazila, where he offered prayers and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. He also attended a protest meeting.

Later, he joined a separate discussion meeting with leaders of the Bagerhat District BNP and its affiliated organizations at the Bagerhat Circuit House. The meeting was presided over by District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim.