We appreciate the government’s enthusiasm towards prioritising the country’s road and transportation sector in its development agenda. A good number of projects are being implemented in full swing to take our transport sector to the height of first world countries’. Alongside the implementation of big projects like the Padma Bridge, metro rail, elevated expressway, it was just a need of the hour that the government attaches more importance on developing rural roads. This was more of a necessity for creating conducive environment for fostering economic growth and alleviating poverty in rural areas. Hence, the news that the government is going to improve the road and transport system in the rural areas to develop communication and transportation is really welcome.
An efficient rural road network
can play the most important role
in improving rural livelihoods
As reported by this daily on Monday, The government has taken a massive initiative to develop the country’s all village roads to ensure smooth and safe transportation of people and goods. Also the government has decided to rebuild and repair all the bridges on the roads in rural areas under 58 upazilas. According to sources, the Local Government Department has taken up a project titled 'Construction of Important Bridges on Rural Roads under Phase II'. Reportedly, costing Tk 4,050 crore, the project will be implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
An efficient rural road network can play the most important role in improving rural livelihoods. Also with easier access to market and technology, improved rural roads can help boost agricultural production and foster economic growth. Almost 65 per cent of the total population of Bangladesh lives in villages. Hence, it is natural that for ‘inclusive’ development, the government must focus on them. We must give top priority to the development of villages in a planned way preserving the sustainability and biodiversity.
The government should take necessary measures to address the vulnerabilities of the rural poor to the economic and financial crisis and to climate change and water shortage. The success of sustainable rural development depends on our efforts to deal with climate change, drought, desertification and natural disaster.
