In a remarkable feat of development, the Thakurgaon Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has successfully implemented projects totaling around Tk200 crore in the last financial year.
The impact of these endeavours has been nothing short of transformative for the township, reshaping it like a dream.
The development initiatives encompass a range of improvements, including enhanced communication systems, paved roads, multi-storied school-college buildings, bridges-culverts, and residences for freedom fighters.
The extensive overhaul of infrastructure in remote areas has significantly reduced the distance between villages and the city, fostering connectivity and progress.
Diverse development initiatives
Under the LGED umbrella, various programs and projects have been undertaken, such as the Rural Road and Culvert (Maintenance) Repair Program, Rehabilitation of Rural Road Infrastructure Damaged by Flood and Disaster, Repair and Renovation of Bridge Infrastructure, and the Rangpur Division Rural Infrastructure Development Project. Notably, these initiatives extend beyond Thakurgaon, covering a wide spectrum of projects across the country under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
The Directorate of Local Government Engineering reports that Thakurgaon boasts a road network of 5,012 km, with 3,417 km being unpaved and 1,595 km paved. In the current financial year, 1,060 km of roads have undergone repair within the revenue budget. Furthermore, 190 km of new roads have been constructed at a cost of Tk41.60 crore, with ongoing road repair work.
Regarding bridges and culverts, the target for construction in Thakurgaon district is 25,176 meters, out of which 5270 meters have been completed. Plans for the current fiscal year include the construction of 465 meters of bridges.
For government primary schools, the construction target is 998, with 468 already built and 61 under construction in the current financial year. Other projects, such as PTI Building, Upazila Parishad Complex Building, Growth Center and Hat Bazar, Upazila Muktijoddha Complex Building, Muktijoddha Nibas Construction, Union Land Office Construction, Minor Water Resource Development, and Social Infrastructure Development Work, collectively contribute to the district's development.
Empowering women and completing projects
Notably, LGED has provided employment to 816 destitute, poor, widowed, neglected, and abandoned women in Thakurgaon district, marking a significant step towards women's empowerment.
The completion of projects such as the upazila freedom fighter complex building, nationwide city and union land office construction project, preservation and reconstruction project of Liberation War memorials, Liberation War museum construction, non-municipal services project, and nationwide pond canal development project underscores the commitment to comprehensive development.
Executive Engineer Mamun Biswas, heading Thakurgaon LGED, highlights that Thakurgaon district, situated in the northern part of Bangladesh, is a small, peaceful region.
The district's agricultural productivity, including paddy, jute, wheat, maize, and tea, ensures self-sufficiency in food production.
To enhance the quality of life for the public, LGED is actively engaged in constructing essential infrastructure for product marketing, transportation, and conservation. This collaborative effort with other government departments aims to elevate the district's physical infrastructure, aligning with the vision for holistic development.
My Village, My City Project Implementation
LGED's comprehensive approach extends to every village in the five upazilas of Thakurgaon district. The construction of roads, bridges, and culverts in each union fosters improved communication systems, providing comfort and safety for village residents. Paved roads facilitate quick access for law enforcement forces, contributing to an improved law and order system. The accessibility to nearby markets enables all citizens to market their products at a low cost.
Mamun Biswas emphasizes that LGED, Thakurgaon, is actively working towards implementing the “My Village, My City” project proposed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This initiative signifies a commitment to local development, ensuring that Thakurgaon continues to evolve as a model of progress and prosperity.
