Cooperative movement can play vital role in building a self-reliant Bangladesh: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday underscored the importance of strengthening the cooperative movement to combat poverty, promote rural development, foster small-scale entrepreneurship and ensure women's economic empowerment, saying it could play a vital role in building an inclusive and self-reliant Bangladesh.

He made the remarks at a discussion marking the 55th National Cooperative Day at Kalb Resort and Convention Hall in Kuchilabari under Nagari Union in Kaliganj upazila of Gazip
ur.

The event was jointly organised by the Kaliganj upazila administration and the upazila Cooperative Department. This year's theme was “Let us build the country through cooperatives, for a Bangladesh for all”. It was chaired by Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer ATM Kamrul Islam.

Rizvi said a nationwide cooperative movement, if sustained, could have helped ensure education, nutrition and food for all, leaving no child illiterate or outside school.

“Cooperatives are based entirely on people's own initiatives and collective efforts. They do not necessarily require government patronage or support from influential local individuals. What is needed is the goodwill, sincerity and willingness of a few people to work together,” he said.

He said Bangladesh was an agriculture-based country and cooperative activities could help improve agriculture and make the country self-reliant.