Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the government will provide full backing to help rural women sell their handcrafted goods in international markets.
Speaking at the opening of the divisional office of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board in Rangpur, the minister praised the contribution of self-reliant rural women to the national economy.
He noted that handcrafted items made by village artisans enjoy strong demand overseas and highlighted the role of local cooperative associations in fostering financial independence.
During the ceremony at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, the minister distributed small business loans, incentive cheques, and tree saplings to local beneficiaries and young women.
Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury chaired the event.
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to female education and economic empowerment, pointing out that state policies now allow women to study free of charge up to the undergraduate level.
He also stressed the need for practical vocational training to reduce youth unemployment and prepare workers for skilled job opportunities abroad.
Outlining regional development plans, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that an agricultural hub will be set up in the Rangpur region to improve crop storage and boost farm incomes.
He added that ministers are working on several projects to make local produce suitable for export, which will accelerate economic growth across northern Bangladesh.
The minister pointed to wider welfare initiatives launched under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including digital farmer cards, agricultural loan relief, family support cards, and canal excavation schemes.
Earlier in the day, the minister officially opened the new regional office building near the Rangpur Central Bus Terminal before launching a three-day rural trade fair featuring 29 exhibition stalls.
