The National Parliament witnessed a series of ambitious infrastructure and economic proposals on Sunday, 19 April 2026, as Sadique Riaz Pinak Chowdhury, the Member of Parliament for the Dinajpur-2 constituency representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), addressed the assembly. During the session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, the MP formally requested the introduction of a high-speed “bullet train” service connecting the capital, Dhaka, to the northern district of Dinajpur, citing the urgent need for regional connectivity.
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The Rationale for High-Speed Rail
Articulating the logistical challenges faced by the people of the northern region, Mr Chowdhury noted that the distance between Dhaka and Dinajpur spans approximately 450 kilometres. Currently, the journey by conventional rail or road is an arduous and time-consuming affair, often hindering the economic integration of the North with the rest of the nation.
“To ensure rapid transit and modernise our communication infrastructure, a bullet train is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity for the residents of the North,” the MP stated. He argued that such a project would revolutionise trade and commute, effectively shrinking the geographical divide between the administrative heart of the country and its agricultural frontier, thereby facilitating more efficient transport of goods and services.
A Moment of Levity in the Chamber
Beyond his formal demands, Mr Chowdhury garnered significant attention for his witty approach to securing additional speaking time. In a move that prompted a “roar of laughter” from fellow parliamentarians across the aisle, he appealed to the Speaker by saying:
“Honourable Speaker, I hail from the area of the Honourable Prime Minister’s maternal home; please grant me a little more time to speak.”
The Deputy Speaker subsequently extended his floor time, allowing the MP to delve into the specific industrial and agricultural grievances of his constituency with greater detail.
Industrial Revival and Agricultural Modernisation
The MP’s address focused heavily on the Setabganj Sugar Mill, a vital industrial landmark in his area. Despite possessing over 3,800 acres of land, the mill was shuttered by the previous administration, leading to significant economic hardship for local labourers. Mr Chowdhury called upon the Ministers for Industry and Finance to prioritise its reopening to combat local unemployment. He further highlighted that six other sugar mills across the nation remain closed, while the Thakurgaon Sugar Mill is currently operating under hazardous conditions and requires immediate renovation to ensure worker safety and production efficiency.
Addressing the agricultural prowess of the Birol region, which is famed for its high-quality lychees, the MP proposed the establishment of specialised cold storage facilities. He noted that while hundreds of millions of Taka worth of lychees are produced annually, the lack of preservation technology leads to massive post-harvest losses. A modern storage facility would allow for domestic price stability and open doors for international export.
Strategic Infrastructure and Economic Proposals
The following table summarises the key development requests submitted by the MP during the parliamentary session:
| Project or Issue | Proposed Action / Detail | Estimated Socioeconomic Impact |
| Dhaka-Dinajpur Rail | Introduction of a Bullet Train | Rapid transit; enhanced regional trade |
| Setabganj Sugar Mill | Immediate reopening/modernisation | Direct employment for thousands |
| Birol Land Port | Revival of the 2006 port initiative | Increased bilateral trade with India |
| Lychee Industry | Installation of modern Cold Storage | Reduction in waste; export potential |
| Tourism & Ecology | Development of the 3,000-acre Sal Forest | Promotion of regional eco-tourism |
| Fisheries | Utilising 20–25 large ponds for farming | Boosting the local “blue economy” |
Environmental Potential and Healthcare Deficits
Mr Chowdhury also turned the Parliament’s attention to the ecological potential of his constituency, specifically the vast 3,000-acre Sal forest. He suggested that with structured investment and environmental safeguards, this forest could be transformed into a premier eco-tourism destination. Furthermore, he proposed integrating the 20 to 25 large ponds within the region into a formalised commercial fisheries framework to bolster the local economy.
Finally, the MP raised urgent concerns regarding the healthcare infrastructure in Birol and Bochaganj. Although both areas possess 50-bed government hospitals, he lamented that the quality of advanced medical care remains insufficient. He urged the Ministry of Health to upgrade these facilities with modern diagnostic equipment and adequate specialist personnel to ensure that the residents do not have to travel to the capital for basic medical interventions.
The session concluded with the MP reiterating the need to revive the Birol Land Port, an initiative dating back to 2006. He argued that reopening this gateway would significantly enhance bilateral trade with India, providing a sustainable economic lifeline for the northern districts of Bangladesh and creating a hub for international commerce.