Bangladesh seeks IFAD’s assistance for rural development

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for stronger collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to accelerate development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of rural communities in Bangladesh.

The minister made the request during a courtesy meeting with IFAD’s Country Director Dr Valantine Achancho at his office at the Secretariat on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department (PID).

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the socio-economic conditions of people living in rural areas.

He noted that a number of development programmes are currently being implemented to expand rural infrastructure, create employment opportunities and improve essential services for communities outside urban centres.

Mirza Fakhrul stressed that access to safe and properly managed water resources remains a critical issue in many rural parts of the country.

In this context, he said, technical and financial support from IFAD could play a significant role in strengthening water management systems and ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water for rural residents.

The minister also expressed hope that cooperation between the government and IFAD would continue to grow in the coming years, particularly in projects that support agriculture, rural livelihoods and sustainable resource management.

During the discussion, IFAD Country Director Dr Valantine Achancho reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working closely with the Bangladesh government.

He emphasised IFAD’s willingness to support initiatives that address the challenges posed by climate change, especially those affecting vulnerable rural communities and areas frequently hit by natural disasters.

The meeting was also attended by Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan and Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Md Mahmudul Hasan, among other officials.