Bhairab Municipality Spearheads Local Economic Development with One Stop Service Center Launch
Bhairab Municipality, with support from PRABRIDDHI – a local economic development (LED) project jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and Switzerland, and implementation assistance from SELISE Digital Platforms, marked a significant milestone towards local economic development with the inauguration of One Stop Service Center (OSSC). Mr. Reto Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, and Md. Iftekhar Hossain Beno, Mayor of Bhairab Municipality jointly inaugurated the launch of the OSSC at the municipality premises on 26 May 2024. This pioneering initiative promises to streamline administrative processes, enhance accessibility to public services, and foster socio-economic development within the municipality. The OSSC aims to digitise administrative processes and enhance accessibility to public services. By centralising essential services under one roof, the OSSC seeks to promote efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. From licensing and permit issuance to citizen facilitation and information dissemination, the center will cater to the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, driving socio-economic development and fostering inclusive growth. “The inauguration of the One Stop Service Center is a testament to the strong partnership between Bangladesh and Switzerland. This center embodies the spirit of innovation and cooperation, serving as a model for sustainable local economic development.” Special Guest Mr. Reto Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh “With the inauguration of the One Stop Service Center, Bhairab takes a significant stride towards inclusive development and citizen-centric governance. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.” Md. Iftekhar Hossain Beno, Mayor of Bhairab “Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and digitisation, we are shaping a brighter future for Bhairab, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity at the grassroots level” Mr. Markus Ehmann, Team Leader of PRABRIDDHI “The launch of the One Stop Service Center underscores our commitment to leveraging digital solutions for social impact. Through technology-driven innovation, we empower municipalities like Bhairab to enhance service delivery and drive socio-economic progress.” Julian Webber, the CEO of SELISE Digital Platforms Co-implemented by Local Government Division (LGD) and Swisscontact, the PRABRIDDHI project is currently being implemented in seven municipalities – Bhairab, Bogura, Cox’s Bazar, Dinajpur, Kushtia, Jashore and Shibganj.
Unveiling Key Advances in Production at Jashore Light Engineering Fair 2024
Jashore Municipality hosted the Light Engineering Fair 2024 on December 4th and 5th, showcasing the district’s vital contribution to Bangladesh’s local economic development. Supported by the PRABRIDDHI initiative, the fair showcased the remarkable innovation and growth potential of Jashore’s thriving Light Engineering (LE) sector, marking a significant milestone in reinforcing Jashore’s position as a center for engineering excellence and innovation. Jashore’s Light Engineering Fair 2024 brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and academic institutions to highlight the achievements of the LE sector within the municipality. Organized by Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners Association (BEIOA) in collaboration with PRABRIDDHI and Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) this fair aimed to enhance the expansion of the LE sector’s market reach. Funded by the governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland and implemented by Swisscontact, PRABRIDDHI’s efforts to foster local economic development have paved the way for Jashore’s LE sector to gain more recognition. Since 2022, PRABRIDDHI has partnered with JUST and BEIOA to strengthen Jashore’s light engineering sector. As a highlight of the Light Engineering Fair, the production manual for Jashore’s six top-selling light engineering products was successfully unveiled. This significant milestone stems from a collaborative action research initiative jointly undertaken by JUST and the BEIOA. The LE fair featured the six advanced products developed, underscoring the region’s capacity for technological excellence and market competitiveness. The Light Engineering Fair showcased Jashore’s innovation and technical expertise not only through their cutting-edge products, but also live demonstrations. Networking sessions facilitated discussions between local producers and potential buyers including regional entrepreneurs and associations from Kushtia, paving the way for collaborative opportunities. This engagement also allowed attendees to explore partnerships that could expand the market for Jashore-made products. “I will endorse further fair arrangements as this sector directly benefits agriculture in our country. I believe product improvement is a journey that should continue for the overall betterment of this sector.“ The District Commissioner (DC) “The Light Engineering Fair is a testament to Jashore’s transformative journey in establishing itself as a center of innovation and quality. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and local producers, we are not only strengthening the LE sector but also creating a ripple effect for sustainable economic growth. PRABRIDDHI remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower local enterprises to compete and thrive on a global scale.“ Markus Ehmann, Team Leader, PRABRIDDHI The fair further highlighted the promotion of “Made in Jashore” as a symbol of quality and reliability, focusing on connecting regional innovation with global standards. Aligned with BEIOA’s Vision 2030, the event emphasized advanced technology, branding, and digitalization to position Jashore’s products on the global stage. Moving forward, the focus remains on expanding training programs to enhance workforce skills, ensuring robust quality control for consistent standards, and fostering international alliances to secure long-term market access. “We are embracing advanced technologies, strategic branding, and digitalization to elevate Jashore’s global presence, set new industry benchmarks, and position its light engineering products as a top international choice. These manuals will serve as vital knowledge resources, and we hope that LE entrepreneurs will adopt them to sustain and further advance these efforts, driving long-term growth and securing a competitive edge for the sector.“ Md. Ashraful Islam Babu, President of the Jashore chapter of BEIOA PRABRIDDHI’s comprehensive approach has positioned Jashore at a stronger locus in Bangladesh’s light engineering industry. With continued innovation and collaboration, the region is set to achieve sustainable growth and global recognition.
