Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the family card, farmer card and canal re-excavation kindle hope amongst the people.
He made the statement on Wednesday at a dialogue titled ‘The Compass Dialogue’ held at a five-star hotel in the capital, organized by the Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research (ISTR).
“Prime Minister Tariqur Rahman has been working step by step to implement the promises made in his election manifesto,” said the minister, adding that initiatives such as the family card, farmer card and canal re-excavation programs have already created hope among the people.
The minister said one of the major challenges to investment is the slow pace of government agencies. “Investors expect quicker solutions, but delays often create a negative environment, leading to frustration. This is one of the key problems, and we are trying to address it,” he added.
He also said efforts are underway to reform the bureaucracy to create a better investment climate. “The business environment here is not very favorable. We are working to improve it, and the prime minister is highly focused on this issue. He is discussing it regularly and has instructed all ministries to resolve these matters quickly,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul said the country’s biggest challenge lies in the energy sector. “We are trying to move towards renewable energy, particularly solar power. Work has already begun on gas and oil exploration, and we hope to go for tenders within the next three months,” he said.
He added that despite having a large population, the country must move forward through economic development. “Political problems that existed in the past have not completely disappeared, but the situation is now more positive. We believe that ensuring stability will help increase investment and create employment,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of improving relations with neighboring and friendly countries, he said the Rohingya issue remains a major challenge and the government is seeking a solution.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
