Government Services Reach People’s Doorsteps in Rupganj

Residents of remote areas in Rupganj no longer had to travel to the upazila headquarters to access essential government services. In an initiative aimed at reducing travel time, expenses and physical hardship, the Rupganj Upazila Administration arranged a one-day integrated government service centre at the field of Beldi Fazil Madrasa in Daudpur Union.

A range of public services—including healthcare, National Identity Card correction, agricultural advice, livestock treatment, fisheries services, land-related assistance, social services and cooperative services—were provided from a single location.

On Monday, several service booths were set up at the madrasa field, replacing the usual government offices at the upazila headquarters. Officials from different government departments were present at the booths to provide services and advice directly to local residents.

According to the upazila administration, around 9,000 people received various government services during the day-long programme.

For 55-year-old Falani Begum, the initiative brought significant relief. She had been facing difficulties travelling to the upazila headquarters to correct her mother’s name on her National Identity Card. Receiving the service near her home saved her both time and travel expenses.

Many other residents also benefited from the programme. Some came for NID-related services, while others sought livestock treatment or agricultural advice. For one day, the remote union effectively turned into a “mini upazila” service centre.

Administrative Officer of the Upazila Administration Ashikur Rahman said the initiative followed an earlier programme titled “Project One Thousand,” launched last year to provide free training and financial assistance to 1,000 young people in the upazila to help them become self-reliant.

Local resident Ashrafuzzaman Farid, who came to receive veterinary services for his cattle, said travelling from Daudpur to the upazila livestock office normally takes considerable time and involves additional transportation costs. He said receiving the service close to home was beneficial for many residents.

Rashida Begum, who sought assistance with her National Identity Card, also expressed satisfaction with the initiative. Local farmer Safed Ali, who came for agricultural advice, described the direct delivery of government services in the community as a welcome experience.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tasvir Zobayer said people normally travel to upazila offices or hospitals to receive government services. “This time, different government departments and healthcare institutions came directly to the people,” he said.

The programme was planned and implemented under the leadership of Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam Joy. He said Daudpur Union is a relatively remote area, making it difficult for many residents to travel to the upazila headquarters or hospital.

“Some people cannot travel because of physical limitations, while others have to spend extra time and money on transportation. Considering these difficulties, separate service booths were arranged for different government departments, the hospital and the land office,” he said.

Saiful Islam Joy said the initiative began in Daudpur Union and there are plans to gradually extend similar services to other unions and municipalities across Rupganj.

Rupganj Upazila BNP President Mahfuzur Rahman Humayun, General Secretary Bashiruddin Bacchu and officials from various government departments were also present at the programme.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, saying that taking government services closer to communities can reduce travel costs and inconvenience while strengthening the connection between public institutions and citizens.