Govt to ensure even dev across all upazilas: Dr Moyeen

The government is committed to ensuring balanced development across all 503 upazilas, regardless of political affiliation or geographical location, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said.

He made the remarks at a discussion on installing solar power systems in urban and rural areas through cooperative societies, organised by the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division at the Cooperative Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday.

Dr Moyeen said no upazila should receive development benefits that are denied to neighbouring areas, stressing that the government must protect the interests of people across the country.

Highlighting the role of public officials, he said they were responsible for serving the country's 180 million people.

According to the minister, the issue of annual salary adjustments based on inflation had been raised for the government employees with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair at a cabinet meeting. Given resource constraints, the government would seek to implement necessary measures gradually over the coming years.

Dr Moyeen also emphasised expanding renewable energy, saying solar power could reduce costs and improve living standards. Proposals to strengthen rural development institutions, including upgrading the Rural Development Board to a directorate, would be reviewed, he said.

Referring to approximately 250,000 registered cooperative societies, the minister stressed improving their effectiveness and public service rather than simply increasing their numbers. He also called for simplifying registration procedures.