Call to Export Co-operative Products to Global Markets

Mir Shahe Alam, MP, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, has stated that maximum importance must be attached to enhancing the quality, efficiency, and capacity of existing co-operative societies rather than merely increasing their numbers to strengthen the country's co-operative movement. He made these remarks as the chief guest at a special discussion program organized yesterday (Saturday, July 4) at the Multipurpose Hall of the Department of Co-operatives in Agargaon, marking the 104th International Co-operative Day.

This year's International Co-operative Day was celebrated under the theme "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World". The day's events commenced with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the State Minister officially inaugurating the session by releasing balloons and pigeons, the symbol of peace. He also inspected various exhibition stalls featuring products made by co-operative members.

Speaking at the seminar, Mir Shahe Alam stated that the government of Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving special importance to the co-operative sector. He emphasized that sustainable development is impossible without uniting people, and co-operatives serve as an effective tool for socio-economic progression and poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. He urged authorities to take effective measures to modernize and export products manufactured by co-operatives to domestic and international markets.

During a direct interaction with divisional, district, and upazila-level officials, the State Minister stressed assigning the right tasks to the right persons based on competence. To make district offices more effective, he directed initiatives concerning Development Project Proposals (DPP), promotions, infrastructural upgrades, tax complication resolutions, and administrative capacity building. He also announced plans to progressively visit upazila-level co-operatives and assured full government assistance to resolve field-level crises.

Attending the event as a special guest, Abdus Salam, President of the Bangladesh Jatiya Samabaya Union and Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, highlighted the role of co-operatives in the economic inclusion of rural populations, women's empowerment, and employment generation. He advocated for expanding training programs, low-interest loans, incentive packages, and legal reforms to make co-operatives more citizen-friendly.

The program was chaired by Md. Selim Fakir, NDC, Registrar and Director General of the Department of Co-operatives. Among others, Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, Secretary of the Rural Development and Co-operatives Division, and Md. Nabirul Islam, Additional Registrar of the Department of Co-operatives, along with senior ministry and field-level officials, were present.

//DBTech/AIF/MI//