Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Rashed Al  Mahmud Titumir spoke at an exchange meeting held on Friday at the conference  room of the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner's office. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 10, 2026 (BSS)- Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Rashed Al 
Mahmud Titumir has called for giving importance to both industrialization and 
agro-based development to utilize the vast potential of the Rajshahi region.
 
He said if industries are developed centering on the region's agricultural 
production, it would inject new momentum into the economies of Rajshahi, 
Natore, and Chapainawabganj.
 
He made these remarks at an exchange meeting held on Friday at the conference 
room of the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner's office.
 
Business leaders, agricultural entrepreneurs, and public representatives from 
Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj took part in the meeting, where they 
interacted with Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and PM's Adviser Rehan Asif 
Asad.
 
Speakers at the meeting identified the gas crisis as the main barrier to 
industrial development in the northern region. 

They noted that due to the shortage of gas, promising industrial sectors 
remain stagnant, new investments are not coming in, and even ready projects 
cannot be launched. This is hindering employment generation and regional 
economic growth.
 
Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said that 
although the BSCIC-2 project in Rajshahi is ready, it cannot be launched due 
to the lack of gas connection. Ensuring gas supply quickly would accelerate 
industrialization.
 
Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam said that both industry and 
agriculture must be given equal importance to ensure the region's 
development. 

"There is significant potential for agro-based industries in the area. If 
gas, infrastructure, and necessary facilities are ensured, sustainable 
economic progress can be achieved in the northern region by utilizing local 
resources and production," he added.
 
Natore Zila Parishad Administrator Rahim Newaz said that there is no gas 
connection in the Natore BSCIC area, even though a gas line passes nearby. 
Due to the lack of gas, large industries are not being established there. 
Motiur Rahman, director of the Natore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said 
that if gas supply is ensured, Natore's leather industry could become self-
reliant.
 
Abdul Wahed, president of the Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and 
Industry, said that due to the gas crisis, no large industrial establishments 
have been developed in the district.
 
On the other hand, due to the lack of sufficient cold storage, a large 
quantity of mangoes is wasted every year, causing significant losses to the 
local economy.
 
In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser in 
charge of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, said the government is 
working to ensure equitable regional development.

The Rajshahi region has immense agricultural potential and is capable of 
producing surplus goods after meeting local demand, he noted, adding, 
"Developing industries around agriculture would help the region advance 
rapidly, and the government is working toward that goal."
 
As special guest, Rehan Asif Asad, adviser in charge of the Ministries of 
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and 
Technology, said balanced development is possible by utilizing the unique 
characteristics of each region.

The government is working to develop the northern region and taking various 
initiatives to bring this lagging area into the mainstream of development, he 
added.
 
The meeting, organised by the Rajshahi district administration, was chaired 
by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Bazlur Rashid. 

Among others present were Chapainawabganj Zila Parishad Administrator Harunur 
Rashid, Rajshahi Zila Parishad Administrator Ershad Ali Isha, Rajshahi 
University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam, Rajshahi 
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dr. Jillur Rahman and Deputy Commissioners 
and Police Superintendents of the three districts, along with officials, 
businesspeople and agricultural entrepreneurs.
 
Earlier in the morning, the two advisers visited activities of the Barind 
Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi.

They inspected the banks of the Padma River in Bhagwanpur area, observed 
agricultural activities in Sarmangla, and visited solar-powered irrigation 
systems in Kalipur.