Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke as the chief guest at an Iftar and Doa Mahfil organized by the Barishal Divisional Journalists’ Association, held at the DRU this evening. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 17, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today laid emphasis on the importance of creating an integrated master plan for industrialization in the country’s southern region, centered around the vast natural gas reserves in Bhola.

“It is essential for skilled and thoughtful individuals to step forward and consider how this resource can be utilized effectively to boost industrialization across the region,” he said. 

Swapan was speaking as the chief guest at an Iftar and Doa Mahfil organized by the Barishal Divisional Journalists’ Association, Dhaka, at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) this evening.

The minister said it is crucial to think about how the gas discovered in Bhola can be integrated into an industrial and factory-based plan for the southern region and how it can be distributed effectively. 

Highlighting the limitations of the southern region’s overall transportation and tourism system, he said even though the road has been expanded to six lanes up to Bhanga, the remaining route is still challenging. 

Despite having huge natural resources like Kuakata, there is a lack of initiative to ensure their full utilization, he said, adding that there is also a need for a clear assurance regarding air transport. These issues must be brought into an overall development framework, he said.

BNP Chairman’s Adviser Advocate Moazzem Hossain Alal spoke as the special guest at the event while president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon also spoke.

Zahirul Haque Rana, president of the Barishal Divisional Journalists’ Association, Dhaka, chaired the programme while general secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel moderated it.

Leaders and members of the organization were present.