(BSS) - Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu has called on non-governmental development organization BRAC to step forward to restore the lost glory of the traditional Rajshahi silk industry.

He said that Rajshahi silk, once known as the pride of the country, is now in crisis due to various problems.

He emphasized that coordinated initiatives are needed to revive this industry, and organizations like BRAC can play a crucial role.

He made these remarks as chief guest at an event held at the BRAC Learning Center auditorium in Rajshahi city today, marking the launch of BRAC’s 2025 annual report.

During his speech, the Land Minister said, “BRAC is one of the few institutions that has introduced Bangladesh to the world. Their contributions to health, education, and social development are undeniable. If they take effective initiatives to revive the Rajshahi silk industry, this heritage can make a comeback.”

He urged all concerned to work together.

In his welcome speech, BRAC’s Senior Director KAM Morshed said that BRAC carries out development activities by awakening people’s inner potential.

He noted that BRAC is capable of quickly making decisions and implementing various programs according to the country’s needs.

He added that their work for the development of marginalized communities will continue in the future.

At the event, it was announced that in 2025, one in every five people in the Rajshahi Division came under BRAC’s various services. These services were provided in areas including health, education, financial inclusion, climate change adaptation, safe water and sanitation, disaster management, and skills development.

According to the report, 9,274 BRAC staff members are working to implement various programs in the division, 39% of whom are women. Activities are being carried out through 511 social development offices and 39 social business initiatives.

In his speech as special guest, Rajshahi-3 Member of Parliament Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milan said BRAC should take initiatives to resolve the water crisis in the Barind region and improve solar-powered irrigation systems. He also emphasized implementing employment-based projects.

Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said, “If cold storage facilities are established in Rajshahi, local farmers will benefit from it.” He also highlighted the need to expand financial services for people in remote char areas.

Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan stressed issues such as violence against women, drug abuse, teen gangs, and overall security. He said that institutions like BRAC must step forward to solve these problems while also raising public awareness.

He urged BRAC to expand its work more broadly to improve the living standards of marginalized people, saying that BRAC’s roots are embedded in such activities.

Other special guests who spoke at the event included - Additional Divisional Commissioner Rezaul Alam Sarkar, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Fayezul Kabir, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hassan, Rajshahi Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jawadul Haque, Rajshahi University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Khan, among others.

Local administration officials, police administration, academics, political leaders, civil society representatives, and media personnel were present at the event.

The speakers described BRAC’s multifaceted activities as an important contribution to the country’s sustainable development.