A review meeting, initiated through the personal efforts of Valuka Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hasan Abdullah Al Mahmud, has been held regarding the formulation of a master plan for the overall development of Valuka, a major rapidly growing industrial hub in Mymensingh. The meeting presented a development plan of approximately Tk 500 crore for the development of infrastructure, industry, environment, and social sectors in the upazila.
The meeting, held in Valuka on Friday, was attended by MA Akmal Hossain Azad, Member (Senior Secretary) of the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, as the chief guest.
Key components of the development plan include the construction of four foot-over-bridges on Valuka's busy roads, proper management and maintenance of roads under the Roads and Highways Department, rapid construction and repair of LGED's ID-identified roads, establishment of a waste management plant, strengthening rural infrastructure development, repair of damaged LGED roads, construction of a 'Working Women's Hostel' to address accommodation issues for female workers, and government-led establishment of a freshwater fish hatchery and research lab.
Speakers at the meeting stated that Valuka is one of Bangladesh's fastest-growing industrial areas, providing employment to thousands of workers. Therefore, they emphasized that formulating this master plan is a timely demand to build Valuka into a modern, safe, and environmentally friendly industrial zone through balanced and planned development.
Officials from the Planning Commission indicated that if the projects are implemented according to the master plan, Valuka will be transformed into one of the country's most developed industrial and administrative regions.
While welcoming the plan, experts also highlighted challenges such as infrastructure development, ensuring energy supply, and environmental impact assessment. Overcoming these challenges, they said, is crucial to establishing Valuka as a fully developed industrial and administrative zone.
Local residents and business leaders have welcomed the development plan. Local business leader Alamgir Hossain said, "If the master plan is implemented, Valuka will become a model development zone not just for Mymensingh, but for the entire country."
