PM visits RDA in Bogura, stresses expansion of green technologies

Bogura, Apr 22 — Prime Minister Tarek Rahman on Wednesday visited the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, marking his first trip to the district since assuming office. He was accompanied by his spouse, physician Dr Zubaida Rahman.RDA Director General Dr Md Abdul Majid Pramanik received the prime minister and briefed him on the academy’s ongoing programmes and innovations. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, MP, along with local lawmakers and officials, were present during the visit.An exhibition featuring a range of green and climate-resilient technologies developed by the academy was organised on the campus to mark the occasion. The prime minister toured the displays and expressed interest in technologies suited to char and coastal regions, with particular emphasis on expanding beekeeping and sunflower cultivation.During the briefing, the RDA chief highlighted the need for establishing modern solvent extraction plants to process sunflower seeds domestically, which would enable large-scale oil extraction, refining, storage and marketing.The exhibition also included innovations such as single-cell protein production from biogas methane, integrated ecosystem management of wetlands, nano-fertilisers, artificial insemination and tissue culture, rural housing initiatives, ICT-based freelancing training for youths, two-tier farming, water recycling systems, solar-powered irrigation, lightning protection systems and tricho-compost.The prime minister and Dr Zubaida Rahman later planted saplings of two fruit-bearing trees on the campus.He also addressed 231 officers participating in the foundation training course for Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadres, urging them to work with dedication for sustainable rural development.Praising RDA’s innovations, the prime minister called for rapid dissemination of research outcomes across the country. Referring to the government’s “Krishok Card” initiative, he acknowledged the academy’s contribution and appreciated the roles of Dr Majid and Dr AKM Zakaria.Dr Majid described the visit as a milestone in the academy’s history and expressed gratitude to the prime minister for his support.