In a seminar titled “Harmonizing Reform and Sustainable Infrastructure Development for a Prosperous Bangladesh,” participants emphasized that achieving economic prosperity requires essential reforms and infrastructure development. The speakers urged the adoption of people-oriented development projects by eliminating corruption and irregularities.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday. Adviser of interim government, Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, the Ministry of Railways, and the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, attended as the Chief Guest.
In the seminar moderated by the General Secretary of BSRF, Masudul Haque, a welcome speech was given by Fasih Uddin Mahtab, President of BSRF. Dr. A. K. M. Atiqur Rahman, Professor in the Economics Department and Director of the Economic Research Platform (ERP) at North South University, presented the keynote.
Adviser Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan urged the importance of Infrastructure and the adoption of people-oriented development projects by eliminating corruption and irregularities.
The seminar included participation from Md. Sardar Shahadat Ali, Director General of Bangladesh Railway; Mr. Ke Changliang, Chief Adviser of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB); Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque, Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET; Dr. Sharmind Neelormi, Professor of Economics, Jahangirnagar University; Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Mr. Mehedi H. Iman, Environmental Specialist; Ms. Umama Fatema, Coordinator, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, University of Dhaka; and Mr. Md. Mahin Sarkar, Coordinator, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, University of Dhaka.
Speakers said despite some irregularities in project development over the past 15 years, infrastructure development projects remain essential to address the country's high logistics costs and harness the benefits of industrialization and job creation. For example, the operational mechanism must be developed during the design and construction phases of any project.
Speakers emphasized that roads, railway, airports, ports, energy systems, and communication networks must be capable of meeting the demands of a growing economy and be prepared to fulfill future needs. Infrastructure is not merely a physical framework; it builds a stable foundation where investment is encouraged, costs can be minimized, and the quality of life is improved
Despite some irregularities in project development over the past 15 years, infrastructure development projects remain essential to address the country's high logistics costs and harness the benefits of industrialization and job creation. For example, the operational mechanism must be developed during the design and construction phases of any project and shall be implemented as per plan, they added.
They further noted that infrastructure is deeply connected to reducing production costs, which directly impacts Bangladesh’s position in the global market. To achieve export targets, bold infrastructural investments are required, including efficient transport corridors, modern ports, and stable energy systems.
