‎Zakir Hossin, Pirojpur: National Rural Development Day-2026 was observed in Pirojpur on Monday with rallies, discussions and the distribution of awards, as speakers stressed the need for collective efforts to accelerate rural development.‎The programme, organised jointly by the district administration and the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB), was held under the theme "Advanced Villages, Prosperous Nation—Bangladesh First."‎A colourful rally started from the Circuit House premises at around 9:30am and paraded through different streets of the district town before ending at the Deputy Commissioner's office.‎Addressing a discussion at the Shaheed Abdur Razzaq-Saif Mizan Memorial Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office, Deputy Commissioner Abu Sayeed said sustainable national development depends on the progress of rural areas.‎He said the government is implementing various programmes to build self-reliant, productive and modern villages and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure their success.‎The DC said BRDB projects are creating self-employment opportunities for women, youths and marginalised people, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and sustainable development.‎He also emphasised the importance of promoting savings, skills development and social awareness to build an inclusive and prosperous rural society, adding that public participation is essential alongside government initiatives.‎Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Nasrin Jahan and Pirojpur district Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Zahirul Haque attended the event as special guests.‎The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Alauddin Bhuiyan Jony. BRDB Deputy Director Md Nazmul Anwar supervised the programme, while Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Shahidul Islam moderated the session.‎Officials from different government departments, businesspeople, women entrepreneurs, students, BRDB beneficiaries, freedom fighters and journalists were present.‎Awards were distributed among the district's best BRDB beneficiaries after the discussion. Members of adolescent girls' groups working to promote health awareness and prevent child marriage also received incentive bonus cheques against their savings and educational materials.‎ ‎