A workshop on cluster development and capital investment planning was held at rajshahi on Tuesday. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 21, 2026 (BSS) - A workshop on cluster development and capital investment planning was held here today.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and the Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project, under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), organised the workshop at the Nagar Bhaban conference hall.

RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton presided over the event.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed special emphasis on women's empowerment. Family card distribution has already begun and various initiatives are being implemented to advance women's development at the grassroots level, he said.

He further said citizen engagement has been given priority in urban development activities under the project, adding that implementing development work through active public participation sets a positive example. 

He sought the cooperation of city residents for the overall development of Rajshahi.

Project Team Leader and Gender Specialist Sajeda Begum, RCC Secretary Sohel Rana, Superintending Engineer Ahmad Al Moin Parag, Junior Social Management Specialist MTS Mehmud and Urban Planner Saifur Rahman, among others, were present.

Speakers said the project aims to enhance climate-resilient urban infrastructure and services in municipalities and city corporations within selected clusters, strengthen urban management efficiency, expand economic growth, and reinforce rural-urban economic linkages.

They added that the workshop focused on building the capacity of municipalities and city corporations to prepare cluster development plans, capital investment plans and climate-resilient action plans. 

It also provided guidance on resource management, project coordination and joint initiatives under cluster-based development, alongside identifying local priorities in infrastructure, service delivery and socio-economic development.

It was informed that in the first phase, the project will be implemented in 81 municipalities and six city corporations across 36 districts of Bangladesh. A significant number of people will benefit, with half of them being women.

Under the project, modern urban services will be developed, including roads and footpaths, improved street lighting, drainage systems, public toilets, market and bus terminal upgrades, dumping stations, supermarkets, bridges and culverts, and municipal buildings.

The project, financed by the World Bank will be implemented with due consideration to social and environmental aspects while ensuring women's participation.