North Bengal Badly Needs Industrial Infrastructure

Abstract

Dr. M. Azizur Rahman highlights a significant regional disparity in Bangladesh, noting that while North Bengal (Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions) accounts for approximately one-fourth of the country’s land and population, it remains industrially neglected. Despite supplying nearly 70% of the nation's agricultural surplus, the region suffers from a severe lack of industrial infrastructure, specifically gas, electricity, and modern communication networks. The author argues that this "vicious circle of poverty" is perpetuated because entrepreneurs are not attracted to areas lacking basic utilities. To resolve this, he calls for a coordinated development strategy involving "Big-push" investments, such as a triangular bridge in Aricha to connect the north with the south and east, a new railway link from the Jamuna bridge to Bogura, and the expedited exploration of coal resources in Dinajpur. Additionally, the early construction of the Ruppur Nuclear Plant is recommended to address the region's power crisis and facilitate a transition from agriculture to a more remunerative industrial and service-oriented economy.