The third consultation meeting regarding the formulation of a Master Plan for Sariakandi Municipality in Bogura-conducted under the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project-was held recently. The workshop took place on Tuesday morning (September 22) at the municipality’s conference hall. S.M. Mikail Islam, the Sariakandi Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and Municipal Administrator, presided over the workshop.

Detailed and productive discussions were held during the meeting regarding the overall development plan for the municipal area, the current state of infrastructure, the improvement of civic service delivery, and future sustainable urban management. Local professionals and concerned citizens participating in the consultation meeting highlighted local issues, development needs, and future prospects for the municipality. Emphasizing the importance of planned and integrated urban development, they offered valuable opinions and suggestions on key issues such as the drainage system, traffic congestion mitigation, and planned waste management.

Attendees included Upazila administration and departmental officials: Upazila Primary Education Officer Sheikh Mahtabur Rahman, Youth Development Officer Rowshan Ali Mondol, and Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) A.F.M. Asaduzzaman. Also present were Municipal BNP President Sahadat Hossain Soni, Vice-President Mujahidul Islam Palash, Freedom Fighter Abdul Karim, Merchants’ Association member Belal Hossain, Rural Development Foundation Director Shafi Mahmud, and civil society representative Chandan Kumar Chakraborty.

Journalists and media representatives included Press Club President Aktaruzzaman and journalists Md. Harunur Rashid, Rafiqul Islam, and Hira Manik. Planners and engineers present included Senior Urban Planner Tajul Islam Tanvir, Junior Urban Planner Muhaimun Islam, and LGED Project Engineer ABM Jahirul Islam, alongside municipal officials, staff, and public representatives. Representatives from the consulting firm presented various aspects of the master plan at the meeting and sought feedback from the participants.

It is worth noting that this project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Agency (AFD). Md. Shahidul Islam, the municipal engineer, conducted and oversaw the overall coordination of the meeting.