Mintoo urges security first to develop livelihoods

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Tuesday emphasised the importance of ensuring security to develop people’s livelihoods.

“Investment will not come if peace and security are not ensured, and employment cannot be created without investment and production,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at an exchange of views with government employees at the Dhaganbhuiyan Upazila Council auditorium this afternoon.

Urging the police to adopt a stricter role, he said society must be free from extortion and the rising threat of teenage gangs. He added that both the public and law enforcement agencies need to work in coordination to address these problems.

The minister noted that in the past, much investment was deterred by extortion, citing the closure of the Dula Mia Cotton Spinning Mill in Dhaganbhuiyan as an example.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) M Shahidul Islam presided over the function, which was moderated by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahidul Alam.

Later, the minister attended an iftar and doa mahfil on the Ataturk Government Adarsha High School grounds, hosted by Dhaganbhuiyan Upazila and Poura BNP.