Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Land, A.F. Hasan Arif, stated that more than 2,000 people have sacrificed their lives to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He emphasized that achieving balanced development in char areas is crucial to eliminate disparities and create an equitable Bangladesh.
He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the “Lasting Impact of M4C Project,” organized by the Char Development and Research Center (CDRC) and Rural Development Academy (RDA) with funding from the Swiss Embassy, on Sunday.
Hassan Arif further said that various microfinance projects in rural development could play a leading role, particularly highlighting the need for special loan facilities for char areas. He expressed his willingness to request the ministry to launch such a project if required.
He also suggested promoting unconventional aquatic foods, such as crabs, frogs, and snails, which could be farmed and exported to contribute to the economic development of char regions.
The event, chaired by Mohammad Shafiul Arif, Additional Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, was also attended by Switzerland's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Rento Rengli, as a special guest.