Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Md Tajul Islam said transparency and accountability of all cooperative societies must be ensured if cooperative management is to be taken to a dignified place.
The minister also said that it was possible to bring about a major change in the rural areas by implementing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's philosophy ‘Amar Gram Amar Shohor’ through cooperatives.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking 50th National Cooperatives Day-2021 and National Cooperative Award-2020, organised by the Department of Cooperatives held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Saturday (November 6).
The minister said that in order to make cooperative management strong and effective, its weaknesses and inconsistencies need to be identified. If the law needs to be amended, it has to be done. Mentioning that it is possible to bring change in the whole country by utilizing the benefits of cooperative management, he said that not only cooperative management but all organisations and even individuals should have transparency and accountability.
If it is done, the scope and quality of work will increase. If you leave someone for a job, don't hold them accountable, then the goal cannot be reached.
In this context, he further said, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took many initiatives to build the country after independence one of which is cooperative management.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman believed that there was no alternative to cooperative management to take the country forward by improving the livelihood of rural people.
He said, “The philosophy of cooperative based farming was Bangabandhu’s and he had organized cooperatives by uniting the people of the area. Bangabandhu said that if we all stay together then no matter how many conspiracies are made, no matter how many obstacles come, we will succeed.”
“After the assassination of Bangabandhu, those who have worked for the realization of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's ideals have had to accept various forms of torture and oppression”, the minister said.
The LGRD minister said including Pime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ‘Amar Gram Amar Shohor’ they have taken many mega projects and initiatives for the planned construction of rural infrastructure, most of which are being implemented. Planned work is underway to develop infrastructure and communication to extend the benefits of the city to the villages.
Md Tajul Islam said the development of the country has been accelerated due to the leadership of the Prime Minister and the right decision at the right time. Bangladesh has become known as a role model of development in the world. Today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a role model for all world leaders.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for LGRD Swapan Bhattacharya said the Father of the Nation wanted to use the association initiative for the development of the people through village-based cooperatives.
Similarly, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also given special importance to cooperatives in the overall development of the country and especially in improving the living standards of the backward communities.