Md Rakel Islam, Bogura 

Speakers have emphasized the need to adopt an integrated development plan by eliminating development disparities in the five districts of the northern region—Bogura, Sirajganj, Joypurhat, Naogaon and Gaibandha. To this end, a seminar titled 'Development Perspective of Five Districts of the Northern Region: Problems, Prospects and Actions' was held at the Momin Convention Center in Bogra on Saturday.

Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku MP spoke as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Bogura History Study and Research Welfare Association on Saturday  morning.

In his speech as the chief guest, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said, "The only party that distorts history is the banned Awami League. They have created history like their own." He alleged that the government led by Sheikh Hasina has jealously deprived the northern region of development. The current government is working towards balanced development by eliminating that inequality.

He said, the great liberation war of 1971 started against discrimination. But after independence, the Awami League came to power and created even greater discrimination. He also mentioned that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to move the country forward from the fragile economic situation.

Regarding BNP, the minister said, "Despite various campaigns and political tactics, the people voted for BNP and brought it to power. He claimed that Jamaat has failed to garner the support of the people and the people have put their trust in BNP."

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam MP said that the five districts of the northern region were neglected for a long time. The current government is working for the development of this region in a planned manner and all development needs will be met in phases. 

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari said the government wants to ensure balanced development to remove the long-standing deprivation of the people of the northern region.

The speakers said that the five districts of the northern region have vast potential in agriculture, industry, education, health, tourism and human resources. To utilize these potentials, there is no alternative to adopting long-term plans for industrialization, modern communication system, creation of investment-friendly environment and increase in employment. 

Bogura's senior intellectual Dr. CM Idris chaired the seminar, which was attended by Bogra-6 constituency MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura-3 MP Abdul Muhit Talukder, Naogaon-4 constituency MP Ikramul Bari Tipu, Naogaon-5 constituency MP Zahidul Islam Dhalu, Naogaon-6 constituency MP Sheikh Md. Rezaul Islam, Gaibandha-1 MP Majedur Rahman, Gaibandha-2 MP Md. Abdul Karim, Gaibandha-3 MP Abul Kawsar Nazrul Islam, Gaibandha-5 MP Abdul Wares, Joypurhat-1 MP Fazlur Rahman Said, Sirajganj-3 MP Ainul Haque, Bogra City Corporation Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, Bogra Zilla Parishad Administrator AKM Ahsanul Haque Tayyab Zakir, TMSS Executive Director Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, representatives of various classes and professions, political leaders, businessmen, professors and researchers were present.

The program was hosted by Rota. Dr. Matiur Rahman and journalist Syed Fazle Rabbi Dollar.