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policymakers will discuss these proposals and provide necessary directives at the conference, which will continue until May 6 and feature 34 sessions over the four-day period.

A review of over 50 agendas proposed by the DCs reveals various initiatives, the implementation of which would require the government to undertake large-scale projects.

Sylhet’s DC proposed constructing an expressway from Lakkatura to the airport on the Sylhet-Osmani Airport Road, while Mymensingh’s DC suggested upgrading the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to eight lanes.

Noakhali’s DC proposed establishing an international-standard airport, and Gazipur’s DC recommended setting up an economic zone to relocate the district’s industrial factories to a designated area.

The DC of Cox’s Bazar proposed a project to establish a salt processing plant, while Rangpur’s divisional commissioner suggested constructing a 1,000-bed hospital.

To modernise the tourism industry, Moulvibazar’s DC proposed integrated development projects in tourist areas. Additionally, Rajshahi’s DC called for establishing labs to test the quality of exportable goods like vegetables, mangoes, and betel leaves.

The DC of Panchagarh suggested setting up foreign language learning centres in all districts and upazilas.

Furthermore, at least 12 DCs and one divisional commissioner -- including those from Madaripur, Barguna, Sylhet, Habiganj, Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Khulna, Meherpur, and Cox’s Bazar -- proposed projects for planned waste management centres and water plants in all unions and municipalities across the country.

Naogaon’s DC proposed gradually establishing indoor stadiums in every district, while the DCs of Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Kurigram, and Bogura suggested setting up service and assistance centres for persons with disabilities in all districts.

Meanwhile, several DCs have also submitted development proposals for marginalised communities.

These include establishing government primary schools in tea gardens, making education free for all students with disabilities and from low-income families on a district-wise basis, and introducing an integrated curriculum and assessment system to ensure learning for all children.

Additionally, they proposed formulating a policy for the establishment of qawmi madrasas, and recruiting teachers in relevant languages to ensure that students from ethnic minority groups are taught in their own languages.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat yesterday, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said 1,729 proposals were sent by divisional commissioners and DCs from across the country, of which 498 have been selected for discussion.

Responding to a query, he said the conference will not only focus on the proposals but will also see government policymakers issue necessary directives to the DCs.