State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin today inaugurated the re-excavation work of the Dumrai canal in Natore. Photo: BSS

NATORE, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin today said all national development initiatives will begin from the rural areas under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, emphasizing that “if the villages survive, Bangladesh will thrive.”

She made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Dumrai canal under Bagatipara upazila here as the chief guest.

The State Minister said that despite hearing development narratives over the past 17 years, no real progress had been achieved. She added that under the present leadership, efforts have begun at the grassroots level to ensure sustainable development. 

Referring to initiatives including the distribution of family card to enhance the women’s dignity, waiving interest on agricultural loans, providing farmers with agricultural card and re-excavating canals, she said these benefits will gradually be extended to all, regardless of political affiliation.

Highlighting the education reforms, Farjana Sharmin announced that from the next fiscal year, school students will receive uniforms, school bags and shoes. She also said that free education for women up to the undergraduate level will be introduced to promote female education. To encourage creativity, a grassroots sports initiative titled “Notun Kuri Sports” has been launched, she added.

The State Minister stressed the importance of the role of families and educational institutions in nurturing children into valuable citizens. She warned against social issues such as drug abuse, “Imo hacking,” and online gambling, stating that development would be meaningless if the children are not protected.

She further said the government aims to build the villages where youth have employment opportunities, students receive quality education and women enjoy safety and economic participation. 

She called for taking collective efforts from all the citizens to build the nation, emphasizing that the country belongs to everyone.

Bagatipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Alauddin chaired the event where Officer-in-Charge of Bagatipara Police Station Abdul Hannan, former convener of Bagatipara Upazila BNP Md. Mosharraf Hossain and member secretary Hafizur Rahman also spoke.

Later, she inaugurated another canal re-excavation programme at Jamnagar Union and a road development project at Bashbaria of the district.

She also attended three other programmes at the Bagatipara Upazila Parishad auditorium, which included the distribution of fishing equipment among the fish farmers, wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and corrugated sheets and rice among the farmers affected by hailstorms.