Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Saturday alleged that the banned Awami League had plundered the country's resources during its 17 years in power, leaving behind a fragile economy that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is now working to rebuild.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar in Bogura, the minister also accused the previous government of distorting history and neglecting the development of northern Bangladesh.
"The Awami League is the only party that distorted history and created its own version of historical events. Those who study history must counter such distortions," he said.
Tuku claimed that the "fascist Hasina government" deprived the northern region of development and said the current administration is committed to ensuring balanced development across the country, with special attention to backward regions.
He made the remarks at a seminar titled Development, Problems, Prospects and Way Forward for Five Northern Districts—Bogura, Sirajganj, Joypurhat, Naogaon and Gaibandha, held at a five-star hotel in Bogura and organised by the Bogura History Study and Research Welfare Organisation.
The minister said Bogura once had several major industrial establishments, including a ceramic factory and Jamil Group Industries, but alleged that they were destroyed during the 1972-2025 period.
Highlighting the government's energy plans, Tuku said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set a target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy within the government's five-year term and that work has already begun to achieve the goal.
He also encouraged local NGO TMSS to invest in solar power generation.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the five northern districts had remained neglected for two decades and that the government has adopted a planned approach to address their development needs.
State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari said establishing an international airport in Bogura would attract foreign investment and further accelerate the district's economic growth.
The seminar was chaired by Dr CM Idris, president of the organising body, while its general secretary Syed Fazle Rabbi Dollar moderated the event. The keynote paper was presented by the organisation's leader Dr Matiur Rahman.
Several lawmakers from Bogura, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Joypurhat and Sirajganj, along with local government representatives, academics and researchers, addressed the seminar.
Principal of Government Mujibur Rahman Bhandari Women's College, Professor Dr. Bellal Hossain, delivered the welcome address at the event. Dr. AHM Masihur Rahman, Advisor to the Bogura History Practice and Research Welfare Association, delivered the greeting speech.
Around 25 academics and researchers from different universities and educational institutions, as well as representatives from various sectors, attended the seminar.