PM declares Bogura as country's 13th city corporation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has formally declared the 150-year-old Bogura Municipality as Bangladesh's 13th city corporation, marking a significant administrative upgrade for one of the country's oldest local government bodies.

Highlights: TBS

The announcement was made today (20 April) at around 12:15pm when the prime minister unveiled a plaque at the municipal building, according to the Prime Minister's Office. 

With the declaration, Bogura joins the country's existing city corporations of Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Rangpur, Gazipur and Mymensingh, reports UNB.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tarique said the long-standing demand of the people had finally been fulfilled. "You have had this demand for a long time. Today, with the establishment of the city corporation, that demand has been fulfilled," he said.

"Bogura must be turned into a model town. This cannot be done by the government alone; everyone's cooperation is needed," he added.

Identifying himself as a "son of Bogura," he said he remained closely connected to the district despite his national responsibilities. He also sought prayers from the public to enable him to serve the country effectively.

Bogura Municipality, established on 1 July 1876 during the British colonial period, is one of the oldest urban local bodies in northern Bangladesh. It currently comprises 21 wards and has a population of around 4 lakh, according to the 2022 census.

The city corporation declaration formed part of a broader day-long programme by the prime minister in his ancestral district. Earlier, he inaugurated an e-bail bond service at the Bogura District Judge's Court around 11am. 

In the afternoon, he launched several initiatives, including canal excavation, distribution of family cards and a measles-rubella vaccination campaign.

Arriving at Bogura Circuit House from Dhaka at around 10am, it marked his first visit to the district since assuming office on 17 February.

E-bail bond

At the launch of the e-bail bond service, the prime minister described the initiative as a major step towards ensuring justice for litigants and reducing procedural delays. 

He said the new digital system would significantly reduce harassment, as bail-related documents could now be processed online within a short time.

He added that previously, bail documents had to pass through at least 13 stages involving lawyers, clerks, magistrates, police and prison officials. 

"From today, the e-bail bond system has been introduced in Bogura, Jhenaidah, Jashore, Magura, Rajshahi, Natore and Kushtia," he said.

He also outlined plans to integrate the system with police case databases, court case management systems and national identity verification. 

This would further modernise the judiciary and reduce delays in issuing warrants, release orders and related processes through online coordination, he said.

In the afternoon, he formally inaugurated the excavation of the Chaukirdah canal in the Nashipur area of Bagbari by cutting soil with a spade around 3:45pm. Officials said the initiative aims to improve water management and local agriculture.

Family Cards

The prime minister distributed 911 Family Cards at Shaheed Zia Degree College ground in Gabtoli. Each female-headed household will receive Tk2,500 per month, reports BSS. 

The scheme is being implemented in 14 upazilas under a pilot phase covering 37,567 families, with plans to convert it into a universal social ID card by 2030.

Measles-rubella vaccination

Later, he inaugurated an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Ziaur Rahman Gram Hospital in Bagbari. He described the programme as one of the government's most successful initiatives in child healthcare and urged field workers to ensure full coverage.

Local residents, health workers, political activists and parents gathered at the hospital premises from the morning to participate in the campaign activities.