Bhairab Municipality organises regional campaign to boost local economy and footwear innovation

Bhairab Municipality has hosted a two-day Regional Campaign on Local Economic Development (LED) at the Upazila Parishad ground, bringing together government officials, entrepreneurs, and development partners to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth in the region.

Organised with support from PRABRIDDHI - a Local Economic Development project funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland and implemented by the Local Government Division and Swisscontact Bangladesh - the event featured seminars, an expo, youth engagement activities, and a two-day LED training.

Around 70 municipal officials and private sector representatives from eight municipalities - Kishoreganj, Bajitpur, Katiadi, Kuliarchar, Nabinagar, Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, and Ashuganj - took part in the training, focusing on fostering public–private collaboration to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth.

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

Over 300 participants, including local officials, entrepreneurs, women business leaders, journalists, and students, attended the campaign. The welcome address was delivered by Md. Faruk, Executive Officer of Bhairab Municipality.

The seminar showcased presentations on the LED model, municipal initiatives, and success stories from local entrepreneurs. Speakers discussed strategies for strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors to boost local industries. Md. Al Amin Miah, President of the Bhairab Footwear Factory Owners' Cooperative Association; Nur Azam, Director and CSO of ARITS Ltd.; and Mohammad Babul Hossain, Project Manager of POPI, highlighted how PRABRIDDHI is driving innovation and growth in the footwear industry.

As part of the campaign, locally developed machinery prototypes - including a Hydraulic Sewing Arm Cutting Machine, Leather Skiving Machine, and Roughing Machine - were showcased by the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET). These low-cost, locally made machines aim to modernize production, boost quality, and improve the competitiveness of small and medium footwear enterprises in Bhairab.

Delivering his keynote address, Jibon Krishna Saha Roy of BIDA said, "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 emphasised the event's contribution to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through decentralization and knowledge-sharing. He also noted that a 4% interest loan scheme for local entrepreneurs, currently managed by the district agriculture committee under the Bangladesh Bank initiative, could serve as a model for future financial support programs.

In her closing remarks, Shabnam Sharmin, Administrator of Bhairab Municipality and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in local economic growth. She said Bhairab's Paduka Shilpa (footwear industry) has the potential to become one of the nation's leading sectors through sustainable practices and collective efforts.

A day-long local product expo and student competitions drew over a thousand visitors, featuring exhibitions by women entrepreneurs and local business owners. Citizens also accessed municipal services such as trade license issuance, holding tax payments, and one-stop service facilities on-site. The campaign concluded with cultural performances by local groups, adding vibrancy to the community-driven celebration of innovation and growth.