Kamrul Hasan: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam Rita MP has said that the current government is implementing multifaceted development programs aimed at improving rural infrastructure, modernizing the education system, expanding the communication sector, and strengthening the local economy. She stated that alongside mega projects at the national level, the government is giving equal importance to the development of local roads, educational institutions, and administrative infrastructure to ensure overall national progress. The minister made these remarks on Saturday (May 16) while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Chandair–Ghosher Bazar road construction project in Garpara under Manikganj Sadar Upazila as the chief guest. Officials from the local administration, public representatives, leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations, as well as people from different professions and walks of life, were present at the event. The minister said that in the current global context, there is no alternative to improving rural communication systems in order to ensure sustainable development. She noted that improved rural road infrastructure enables faster transportation of agricultural products to markets, increases people’s access to education and healthcare services, and strengthens the local economy. “The government is working to reduce the disparity between urban and rural areas by establishing a balanced development framework. Improving communication systems in every region of the country is now one of the government’s top priorities,” she added. She further said, “Now is the time to build the nation. Everyone must play a responsible role from their respective positions through dedicated service for the welfare of the country. The Prime Minister is working tirelessly to ensure the rights of underprivileged people and maintain the continuity of development. Public participation and cooperation are extremely important for the successful implementation of the government’s ongoing development activities.” Highlighting the education sector, the minister said that the foundation of a nation’s long-term development is built through primary education. Therefore, the current government is continuously investing in the development of primary school infrastructure, construction of modern classrooms, expansion of digital education programs, and improvement of educational standards. She urged all concerned to work more sincerely to ensure a safe, modern, and quality educational environment for students. Local residents said that the long-neglected Chandair–Ghosher Bazar road, once renovated and reconstructed, would ease public suffering and create new momentum in trade, commerce, and agricultural transportation in the area. They described the government’s initiative as an important step toward the economic development of rural communities. Analysts believe that local-level infrastructure development projects are not limited to improving communication systems alone; rather, they are also having positive impacts on employment generation, increased agricultural production, expansion of local markets, and improvement of social services. In particular, the integrated development of roads, educational institutions, and administrative infrastructure is making the rural economy more sustainable and dynamic. Earlier, the minister inaugurated the construction work of the Bangladesh Hat–Ranadia road. Later, she inaugurated the newly constructed four-story building of Rethua Jani Government Primary School and the new building of the Betila–Mitra Union Land Office. As part of the day-long program, she also attended a cultural event organized by the Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium as the chief guest. The event emphasized strengthening cultural ties between Bangladesh and Nepal as well as enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia. Among others present at the event were Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Ara Sultana, District Council Administrator Advocate Jamilur Rashid Khan, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam, BNP district convening committee member Advocate A.F.M. Nurtaz Alam Bahar PP, Satyen Kanta Pandit Bhajan, Advocate Zahir Alam Khan Lodi, Bir Muktijoddha Abdul Mannan, Golam Abedin Kaiser, Rafiquddin Bhuiya Habu, Nasir Uddin Ahmed Jadu, Riyaz Mahmud Harez, Advocate Arif Hossain Liton, District Krishak Dal President Golam Kibria Sayeed, General Secretary Abdus Salam Badal, District Jubo Dal Member Secretary Tuhinur Rahman Tuhin, District Sramik Dal President Md. Abdul Kader, District Swechchhasebak Dal Convener Advocate Jinnah Khan, District Mohila Dal President Sabiha Habib, District Chhatra Dal President Abdul Khalek Shuvo, General Secretary Sirajur Rahman Khan Sajeeb, along with leaders of BNP and its affiliated organizations, local dignitaries, and residents of the area.