Dhaka, November 8: Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for comprehensive reforms in cooperative laws and governance to revive the country's declining cooperative movement and strengthen its competitiveness with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other institutions.
Addressing the 55th National Cooperative Day celebrations in Dhaka on November 8, the President identified corruption and weak governance as major factors contributing to the decline of the cooperative sector. He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges through institutional reforms and improved accountability.
Recalling the contributions of former President Ziaur Rahman to the cooperative movement, he highlighted the need to restore the sector's historical strength and expand its role in national economic development.
Referring to India's dairy cooperative success, the President cited Amul as an example of how a well-organised cooperative enterprise can build a strong market presence and create economic opportunities for producers.
He called for expanding Milk Vita's product portfolio, strengthening its marketing strategies and exploring opportunities in international markets to improve its competitiveness.
The President also suggested establishing cooperative-based companies to promote cooperative products, strengthen commercial activities and increase the sector's contribution to the national economy.
His remarks highlighted the need for a broader transformation of Bangladesh's cooperative movement through updated legal frameworks, transparent governance, professional management and stronger market-oriented enterprises.
The proposed reforms aim to revitalise cooperative institutions and enable them to compete more effectively with other economic and development organisations while contributing to sustainable livelihoods and national growth.