The dialogue on ' Local Economic Development and Trade Issues' was jointly organised by Economic Journalists Network (EJ-Net) and Centre for Communication and Development (CCD). Held at the auditorium of Rangpur Rotary Centre. The dialogue was presided by the Rangpur unit convener of EJ-Net, Wadud Ali Speakers urged the government to set up a coal-based power station to expedite industrialisation in the northern region.

They emphasised the need for separate industrial policy for northern region mainly Rangpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts. There is no job opportunity for people of the five monga-prone districts due to lack of industrialisation, they said.

They put up some points to promote commerce and industry in the region. These include formation of new policies with easy terms for cottage industries, creation of bank loan opportunities with lower rate of interest, declaration of tax evasion for 10 years as incentive for entrepreneurs and creation of market for local industrial products.

Senior faculty member of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank Training Institute AB Siddique moderated the dialogue.

Rangpur Correspondent of Ajker Kagoj Joynal Abedeen and Rangpur Correspondent of The Daily Sangbad Liakot Ali Badal were awarded fellowship by EJ-Net Rangpur after the dialogue.

The DC handed over certificates and cheques to them.

Among others, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khondker Atiar Rahman, president of Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mostafa Azad Choudhury and deputy director of DAE Abdur Rahim addressed the dialogue.