Economic Reporter :
Experts at a discussion on Wednesday 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.
Experts at a discussion on Wednesday 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.
