BAGERHAT, July 17, 2026 (BSS) - Government officials, public representatives, political leaders,

professionals and civil society members today discussed Bagerhat's overall development and future

regional development plans at a meeting in the district.

Organised by the Bagerhat Officers Forum, the meeting was held at the Sonatala conference room of the

Zilla Parishad building and was chaired by the forum's president Dr Md Faridul Islam.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal MP attended as the chief guest, while State Minister for

Environment, Forest and Climate Affairs Sheikh Faridul Islam, Bagerhat Zilla Parishad Administrator

Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain and District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim spoke as

special guests.

Among others present were Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad

Naser Rikabder, US-based CPA Rafiqul Islam and Bagerhat Officers Forum General Secretary Zakir

Hossain.

Addressing the meeting, Kayser Kamal said the government is pursuing development with a "Bangladesh

First" approach and stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the administration, political parties

and the elected government to ensure sustainable development and human resource growth.

He said the government has prioritised education and healthcare in budget allocations to improve

access to quality services. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development,

including an airport, better road connectivity and employment generation in coastal areas to unlock

Bagerhat's development potential.

State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam stressed the need to upgrade the Khulna-Mongla highway, build an

airport and construct a sustainable embankment to address coastal salinity.

He also called for establishing a medical university, technical colleges and IT training centres to

expand employment opportunities and reduce dependence on the Sundarbans.

He said improved saline water management could boost agriculture, strengthen shrimp farming and

attract greater investment.

Participants, including military and civil officials, political leaders, representatives of cultural

and professional organisations, journalists and other stakeholders, offered recommendations on

infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and investment to support the district's long-term

development.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal visited the grave of late Badal Morol, president of

Baruipara Union Krishak Dal in Bagerhat Sadar, and expressed condolences to his family.

He later attended a separate meeting with district BNP and allied organisation leaders at the Bagerhat

Circuit House, chaired by District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim.