(BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today inaugurated 44 under-construction public libraries being implemented through Upazila Parishads.

The inauguration took place during a ceremony held at the Cabinet Division`s meeting room in the Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of LGRD.

Speaking at the event, Asif Mahmud said education and knowledge are the most valuable investments for building a developed society. In light of this, a plan has been undertaken to establish a library in every upazila, he added.

He also said the Local Government Division has allocated a total of Tk 23.32 crore for constructing the public libraries in 11 districts. Each library will constructed at a cost of Taka 53 lakh.

The adviser said special attention has been given to the every region, particularly North Bengal, where literacy rates are low and poverty rates are high.

Asif Mahmud also said emphasis has been placed on the architectural design, atmosphere, and management of the libraries to attract students and foster a culture of learning.

He thanked the concerned officials of the Local Government Division and the Local Government Engineering Department for undertaking the project and laying their foundation stone in a short time.

In response to a question from journalists about the selection of upazilas for the libraries, the adviser clarified that the process was not influenced by political bias or retaliation.

Rather, efforts have been made to ensure a balanced allocation of the budget and special emphasis was given to address the needs of deprived areas.

About the present situation of the South City Corporation, Asif Mahmud said that the government has shown enough patience and sincerity regarding the closure of the Nagar Bhaban.

"Services to the citizens declined about 30 to 40 percent. The interim government will take decision in this regard collectively," he added.

With Local Government Division Secretary Rezaul Maksud Jahedi in the chair, Chief Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department and senior officials of the Local Government Division, among others, were present.