Bhairab Municipality hosted a two-day Regional Campaign on Local Economic Development (LED) at the Upazila Parishad Field, Bhairab recently, featuring a seminar on municipal initiatives and the footwear sector, an expo showcasing women entrepreneurs and youth engagement activities, and a two-day LED training supported by PRABRIDDHI.

The training workshop brought together 70 municipal officials and private sector representatives from eight municipalities (Kishoreganj, Bajitpur, Katiadi, Kuliarchar, Nabinagar, Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, Ashuganj) in the Bhairab region, with a special focus on promoting public-private dialogue to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and inclusive local economic growth, says a press release.

The campaign and the two-day LED training were supported by PRABRIDDHI- a Local Economic Development project, funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland, implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) and Swisscontact Bangladesh.

The event was graced by Jiban Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), as the 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 in Bangladesh; and Parvez Mohammad Asheque, Team Leader of the Swisscontact PRABRIDDHI project.

The programme was attended by over 300 participants, including local government officials, business representatives, women entrepreneurs, journalists, and students. The welcome remarks were delivered by Md. Faruk, Executive Officer of Bhairab Municipality.

The seminar featured presentations on the Local Economic Development (LED) model, municipal initiatives, and success stories of local entrepreneurs. Participants gained insights into the LED model, municipal roles, and strategies for fostering collaboration between public and private actors.

Highlighting the role of the PRABRIDDHI project in advancing the footwear sector, Md. Al Amin Miah, President of the Bhairab Footwear Factory Owners’ Cooperative Association, Nur Azam, Director and CSO, ARITS Ltd., Mohammad Babul Hossain, Project Manager, POPI – delivered a special presentation.

As part of the sector’s innovative initiatives, several machinery prototypes developed under the supervision of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET) – including the Hydraulic Sewing Arm Cutting Machine, Leather Skiving Machine, and Roughing Machine – were showcased. These locally made and affordable machines aim to modernize technology, enhance productivity and quality, and strengthen the competitiveness of Bhairab’s small and medium footwear enterprises.

Delivering his keynote speech, Jibon Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of BIDA, stated: “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.”

Mohammad Nahid Hasan Khan, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj, said, “The main objective of today’s program is to strengthen the local economy, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote decentralization.