Banned AL looted nation, PM rebuilding economy: Tuku

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Saturday alleged that the banned Awami League had looted the country's resources during its 17 years in power, leaving behind a weakened economy that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is now working to rebuild.

Speaking at a seminar in Bogura, Tuku accused the previous government of distorting history and neglecting the development of northern Bangladesh.

"The Awami League is the only party that distorted history and created its own version of historical events. Those who study history must counter such distortions," he said.

The minister claimed the previous administration deprived the northern region of development and said the current government is committed to ensuring balanced growth across the country, with special emphasis on historically neglected areas.

He was addressing a seminar titled "Development, Problems, Prospects and Way Forward for Five Northern Districts—Bogura, Sirajganj, Joypurhat, Naogaon and Gaibandha," organised by the Bogura History Study and Research Welfare Organisation at a hotel in Bogura.

Tuku alleged that several major industrial establishments in Bogura, including a ceramic factory and Jamil Group Industries, were destroyed during the 1972–2025 period.

Highlighting the government's energy agenda, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set a target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power within the government's five-year term and that work has already begun to achieve the goal. He also encouraged local NGO TMSS to invest in solar energy projects.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, speaking as a special guest, said the five northern districts had remained neglected for decades and that the government had adopted a planned approach to accelerate their development.

State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari said establishing an international airport in Bogura would attract foreign investment and further boost the district's economic growth.

The seminar was chaired by Dr CM Idris, president of the organising organisation, while its general secretary, Syed Fazle Rabbi Dollar, moderated the session. The keynote paper was presented by Dr Matiur Rahman.

Lawmakers from Bogura, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Joypurhat and Sirajganj, along with local government representatives, academics and researchers, attended the seminar. Professor Dr Bellal Hossain delivered the welcome address, while Dr AHM Masihur Rahman gave the introductory remarks. Around 25 academics and researchers from different universities and institutions also participated.