Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said joint initiatives with Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) will accelerate rural development in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks when CIRDAP Director General Dr P Chandra Shekara met him at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening mutual cooperation in research, training, innovation and the implementation of sustainable development plans in the rural development sector.

They also expressed interest in working jointly to address emerging development challenges and undertake effective and innovative initiatives.

Fakhrul said CIRDAP could become an important partner for Bangladesh in strengthening research, skill development and innovation in rural development, assuring the government’s full cooperation in implementing such collaborative initiatives.

During the meeting, the CIRDAP Director General praised Bangladesh’s ongoing development activities.

He particularly described the government’s “Family Card” initiative as a timely and people-friendly programme.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan and Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.