RANGPUR, March 24, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu,MP, has said that entrepreneurs can help in the rapid development of the potential agro-based industrial sector in the Rangpur region to ensure equitable regional development.  “The Rangpur region has a suitable environment for industries with cheap land, cheap labor, good people and excellent law and order. There is no such suitable environment for industrialisation anywhere else in the country,” he said.  He said this as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Equitable regional development and industrialization potential in the northern region ' held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room in the city on Tuesday afternoon.  Prime Minister's Adviser on the Ministry of Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir addressed the event as a special guest with Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam in the chair.  Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said that the Rangpur region has been a victim of discrimination for a very long time.  So, it is important to provide special opportunities for equitable regional development and industrialization here.  “The development of this deprived region will be possible if it gets the cooperation of suitable investors and the government and special opportunities for equitable regional development and industrialization,” he said.  The Minister said that Rangpur is one of the food grains reserves of the country. The cost of land and labor here is comparatively low, the people are hard-working and the law and order situation is also favorable.  "Initiatives will be taken to identify the potential for industrialization through exchange of views in various districts and include it in the next budget. In this way, it is possible to develop the region as an important role model for national development," he said.  The Minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who came to Rangpur on the eve of the 13th National Parliament elections, talked about the development potential and resources of this region.  He said, “If investors can be brought in and the government creates that opportunity, and if we can cooperate with our regional entrepreneurs, then it will be possible to realize the aspirations of the new government and the dreams of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.”  It is from that possibility that the Prime Minister has sent his Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir to Rangpur, so that allocations can be made for the development of the Rangpur region in the upcoming budget. In his speech, Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said that special importance should be given to three issues in the development of the Rangpur region.  “The three issues are- proper use of surplus agricultural products and natural resources, employment generation and equity-based regional development,” he said. He mentioned that effective management of resources like grains, livestock, fruits and stones and sand will increase the economic potential of this region.  He emphasized on reflecting the expectations of the local people in the government’s first 180-day programme, the next budget and the four-year development plan. He also said that initiatives are being taken to form startup capital for entrepreneurs and a special fund for women entrepreneurs.  “If investment increases, production, employment and revenue will increase, which will be helpful in overall development,” he said, and emphasized on ensuring return on investment and industrialisation based on specific regions and products.  He also mentioned that the development of ports, railways and inter-state communication systems will play an important role in regional industrialization.  Among others, Mahbubur Rahman Belal MP from Rangpur-3 constituency, Raihan Siraji MP from Rangpur-1 constituency, Moulana Nurul Amin MP from Rangpur-6 constituency, Golam Rabbani MP from Rangur-5 constituency, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury Don, District Council Administrator Md Saiful Islam, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, addressed the discussion.