The Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) on Monday held a stakeholder consultation to discuss the construction of a modern meat processing center and the modernization of the Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo, two major development initiatives aimed at improving public health, urban services and tourism.
The consultation meeting took place at the City Hall of Rajshahi City Corporation and was attended by State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, as the chief guest. The meeting was chaired by RCC Administrator Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.
Addressing the meeting, the State Minister said the government views both projects as significant steps toward the city's sustainable development and assured full cooperation in implementing them.
He said the proposed meat processing center would ensure safe and hygienic meat production through mandatory veterinary inspections before slaughter, halal-compliant slaughtering procedures, modern laboratory-based quality control and environmentally friendly waste management.
According to the minister, every part of the animal would be utilized to minimize waste, with by-products processed for export, organic fertilizer production and biogas generation. He said the project would not only enhance food safety but also improve working conditions and business opportunities for butchers and meat traders.
Speaking on the modernization of the city zoo, Tuku said the issue had already been discussed with Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, who had given policy-level approval to move the initiative forward.
The minister also highlighted Rajshahi's strengths in mango production, silk, agriculture, fisheries, cleanliness and tourism, saying that modern preservation and processing facilities could significantly boost mango exports and increase foreign exchange earnings.
In his remarks, RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said the initiative to modernize the zoo and introduce new animal species was taken soon after he assumed office. He thanked the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for extending support to the projects and expressed hope that collective efforts would help transform Rajshahi into a cleaner, healthier and more modern city.
Welcoming the guests, RCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Rezaul Karim said the projects reflected the city's commitment to improving public services and urban infrastructure.
The consultation was attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Department of Livestock Services, local administration, law enforcement agencies, business leaders, political representatives and members of the Rajshahi Meat Traders Association.
Earlier in the day, the State Minister visited the proposed site for the meat processing center in Talaimari despite heavy rainfall. Upon his arrival at Shah Makhdum Airport in the morning, he was received by RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, alongside senior government officials, political leaders and local dignitaries.
