Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Saturday expressed his helplessness over the persisting bureaucratic tangles in the country.
“We often become victims of the (red tape) practice in the country. The trend dominates everywhere and impedes development. I personally became the victim of the system and felt unhappy,” he said.
The minister was addressing the Rangpur Dialogue on 'Commitment to National Development: Education, Decent Employment and Gender Parity' held at Begum Rokeya auditorium of RDRS Bangladesh in the city.
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), and UNDEF (United Nations Democracy Fund) jointly organised the dialogue.
Tipu Munshi said the Rangpur region is lagging behind due to lack of job opportunities and absence of heavy industries.
Big entrepreneurs feel reluctant to set up industries here, he said, citing the reasons of poor communication network, transport cost and lack of gas connection.
But the workers of the region are very industrious, disciplined and have a nationwide reputation, the minister said.
He said a few years ago the number of passengers was very thin at Saidpur Airport, but the scenario has changed nowadays.
“Around 17 flights are being operated at the airport now. We hope the number of daily flights to and from the airport will increase to 30 in the next one year.”
Tipu Munshi said the government has already allocated Tk 600 crore for the extension work of the domestic airport. Meanwhile, construction of the main building has been completed while lounges, bank booths and other facilities have also been included at the airport.
“Talks are in progress in order to operate flights to Nepal and Bhutan from the airport after upgrading it to an international airport," he said.
He said the government has been giving top priority to improving education, health, communication network, and job generation activities in the Rangpur region.
The minister urged the people of the region not to be disappointed with the proposed Teesta Mega Project at a cost of Tk 8,500 crore on both sides of the Teesta River.
“The mega project will be implemented. The prime minister is very serious and committed to implementing the project.”
The project will create huge employment opportunities for thousands of people in the districts, developing eco-tourism, satellite townships, and infrastructural development on both sides of the river, he said.
“The project is being delayed by an international crisis. We have to wait a bit to settle the issues.”
