Cox’s Bazar hosts regional campaign on local economic development

Cox's Bazar Municipality has hosted a high-level regional campaign and training programme entitled "Local Economic Development and Sustainable Tourism Growth", aimed at strengthening the local economy, advancing sustainable tourism, and deepening public–private collaboration.

The event was inaugurated by Md Rezaul Maqsud Jahedi, Secretary, Local Government Division (LGD), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, as chief guest. More than 200 participants attended, including representatives from Cox's Bazar Municipality and neighbouring municipalities—Maheshkhali, Teknaf, and Chakaria—as well as private-sector leaders, women entrepreneurs, youth, and members of the media.

The programme was presided over by Shamim Al Imran, Administrator of Cox's Bazar Municipality and Deputy Director at LGD. Special guests included Mahmudul Hasan, Director General, Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation Wing, LGD; A B M Shawkat Iqbal Shaheen, Director General (Additional Secretary), Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division; Dr Monira Begum, Additional Secretary, General Economics Division; Dr Roksana Tarannum, Joint Secretary, Economic Relations Division; and Helal Hussain, Country Director, Swisscontact Bangladesh.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Parvez Mohammad Asheque, Team Leader of PRABRIDDHI, followed by an in-depth presentation on the LED model and programme achievements by Wahedur Rahman, Project Director and Joint Secretary, LGD. Administrator Shamim Al Imran presented PRABRIDDHI's progress in Cox's Bazar Municipality, highlighting advances in digital services, tourism facilitation, and municipal management. Private-sector partners—Turtle Venture, AIT, and DIPTI—shared their collaboration experiences, particularly in strengthening digital ecosystems and entrepreneurship.

The session also featured a documentary screening and thematic discussions on the LED framework, sustainability, and local-level innovation.

In his address, Secretary, Md Rezaul Maqsud Jahedi, stressed the strategic importance of Local Economic Development in the national context. "Local Economic Development deserves greater priority for mobilising local resources, enhancing business competitiveness, and accelerating local growth. Based on its proven impact, this initiative will be expanded to district-level municipalities," he said. Citing a 37 per cent increase in revenue in Bogura Municipality, he noted: "This can serve as a model to be replicated nationwide."

He further highlighted the role of the Municipal Capacity Index (MCI) in improving municipal performance, noting that MCI indicators will guide performance-based resource allocation and foster healthy competition among municipalities.

Special guests acknowledged PRABRIDDHI's contributions across seven municipalities and recommended incorporating climate-responsive strategies, improved waste-management models, and long-term sustainability measures.

Administrator Shamim Al Imran said: "Our aim is to establish a sustainable municipal business model that communities can operate independently, ensuring continuity beyond the project period."

Swisscontact Country Director, Helal Hossain, added: "Through PRABRIDDHI, we have strengthened municipal leadership, promoted entrepreneurship, and enhanced local governance. With continued efforts, achieving inclusive growth in Bangladesh is within reach."

An exhibition showcased Cox's Bazar Municipality's development initiatives, PRABRIDDHI's achievements, and contributions from partner organisations. Attendees also received hands-on demonstrations at the municipality's One-Stop Service Booth, covering trade licence renewal, holding tax payment, and access to various citizen services.

Following the seminar, a two-day LED training programme began, engaging municipal officials and private-sector representatives in practical sessions on identifying local challenges, mapping economic opportunities, and designing Local Economic Development plans.

The regional campaign concluded with reaffirmed commitments from municipal leaders, government institutions, and development partners to scale successful LED models, deepen public–private collaboration, and promote sustainable economic development across Bangladesh.