Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu, lawmaker from the Mymensingh-10 (Gafargaon-South Gafargaon) constituency, on Thursday said the long-neglected Gafargaon and South Gafargaon would undergo a visible transformation within the next three years not five years.
"We want to work together to build a humane, modern and livable Gafargaon for the next generation," he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting titled "Development and Progress of South Gafargaon" at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
The programme was organised by the South Gafargaon Upazila Forum.
Bachchu said his team is working relentlessly and maintaining regular coordination with different government departments to implement development projects without delay.
Speakers at the meeting claimed that South Gafargaon has witnessed visible development over the past five months, describing it as unprecedented since Bangladesh's independence.
They said progress in education, healthcare and communications has accelerated following initiatives to establish the South Gafargaon Upazila and stressed the need to maintain unity to sustain the development momentum.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mostafizur Rahman Sohel said the current lawmaker had fulfilled the long-standing demand for establishing the South Gafargaon Upazila within just four months. He described Bachchu as a sincere representative and expressed hope that he would ensure transparency in the construction of the upazila complex and other development projects.
Former BGAPMEA President Md. Moazzem Hossain Moti said the proposed site selected by the government for the South Gafargaon Upazila Parishad was appropriate. He also emphasised the need to ensure that the upazila headquarters remains well connected to every union and village to facilitate access to public services.
Presiding over the event, former Assistant Attorney General Advocate Ashraf-uz-Zaman congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for fulfilling what he described as the long-cherished aspiration of the people of Gafargaon.
He also called for effective measures to ensure the upazila's development, create a corruption- and drug-free environment, and prevent erosion of the Brahmaputra River.
The programme was moderated by Ekushey Television News Producer Anwarul Qayyum Kajal.
Among others present were former Senior Secretary Dr. Ahmed Munirus Salehin, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) President and UNB Deputy Editor Masudul Hoque, former Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director Prof. Dr. Sirajul Haque, Joint Secretary Hemayet Hossain, former Titas Gas GM Faizul Bari Golap, and former Assistant Superintendent of Police Hammad Hossain Nayan.