Press Release : Bhairab Municipality hosted a two-day Regional Campaign on Local Economic Development (LED) at the Upazila Parishad Field, Bhairab, featuring a seminar on municipal initiatives and the footwear sector, an expo showcasing women entrepreneurs and youth engagement activities, and a two-day LED training supported by PRABRIDDHI. The training workshop brought together 70 municipal officials and private sector representatives from eight municipalities (Kishoreganj, Bajitpur, Katiadi, Kuliarchar, Nabinagar, Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, Ashuganj) in the Bhairab region, with a special focus on promoting public–private dialogue to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and inclusive local economic growth.

The campaign and the two-day LED training were supported by PRABRIDDHI- a Local Economic Development project, funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland, implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) and Swisscontact Bangladesh.

The event was graced by Jiban Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), as the chief guest. Special guests included Mohammad Nahid Hasan Khan, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division & Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kishoreganj; Daniel Valenghi, Regional Advisor for Inclusive Economic Development and Private Sector Engagement at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh; and Parvez Mohammad Asheque, Team Leader of the Swisscontact PRABRIDDHI project.

The program was attended by over 300 participants, including local government officials, business representatives, women entrepreneurs, journalists, and students. The welcome remarks were delivered by Md. Faruk, Executive Officer of Bhairab Municipality.

The seminar featured presentations on the Local Economic Development (LED) model, municipal initiatives, and success stories of local entrepreneurs. Participants gained insights into the LED model, municipal roles, and strategies for fostering collaboration between public and private actors. Highlighting the role of the PRABRIDDHI project in advancing the footwear sector, Md. Al Amin Miah, President of the Bhairab Footwear Factory Owners’ Cooperative Association, Nur Azam, Director & CSO, ARITS Ltd., Mohammad Babul Hossain, Project Manager, POPI - delivered a special presentation.

As part of the sector’s innovative initiatives, several machinery prototypes developed under the supervision of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET) — including the Hydraulic Sewing Arm Cutting Machine, Leather Skiving Machine, and Roughing Machine — were showcased. These locally made and affordable machines aim to modernize technology, enhance productivity and quality, and strengthen the competitiveness of Bhairab’s small and medium footwear enterprises.

Delivering his keynote speech, Jibon Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of BIDA, stated: “One of BIDA’s core responsibilities is investment promotion. Along with attracting foreign investors, we are working with development partners to encourage domestic investments. While reforms are implemented at the national level, their success at the local level depends heavily on the efforts of local governments. The PRABRIDDHI project is helping bridge this gap. Without improving the business environment, strengthening the local economy will not be possible. Ensuring environmental protection alongside industrial development will be the key to sustainable growth.”

Mohammad Nahid Hasan Khan, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj, said, “The main objective of today’s program is to strengthen the local economy, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote decentralization. Our aim is to build an inclusive and sustainable development process through enhanced knowledge sharing and practical experience among institutional and social stakeholders.” He further mentioned, “The district agriculture committee manages the 4% interest fishing loan program initiated by Bangladesh Bank, which can serve as an effective model for future financial support to local entrepreneurs.”

In her closing remarks, Shabnam Sharmin, Administrator of Bhairab Municipality and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving local economic growth. She noted that the event was not merely a platform to present municipal agendas but an opportunity to learn from one another and build stronger networks among stakeholders. Highlighting Bhairab’s Paduka Shilpa (footwear industry), she expressed optimism about its potential to stand alongside the nation’s top industries through sustainable practices and innovation. She added that the LED project demonstrates how joint efforts between local and national governments can ensure inclusive, eco-friendly development.

A day-long local product expo and student competitions were organized, drawing participation from over one thousand local residents. Women entrepreneurs and local business owners showcased their products and services, creating opportunities for direct engagement with customers.

In addition, Bhairab residents availed various citizen services directly from the Municipality booth, including the One-Stop Service Center, trade license issuance, and holding tax payments. Students from schools and colleges learned about entrepreneurship and the process of local economic development. The day-long program also featured cultural performances by local groups, making the campaign more vibrant and engaging for all participants.