Rajshahi, Aug 21 (V7N) — Despite a significant manpower shortage, the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) continues to operate steadily and contribute to agricultural growth in northern Bangladesh. Since assuming office, current Executive Director and Additional Secretary Md. Tarikul Alam has overseen the agency’s operations without disruption. However, following the recent death of former Chairman Dr. Md. Asad Uz Zaman, the chairman position remains vacant.

Local farmer Ataur Rahman (56) from Sapahar upazila in Naogaon described BMDA as a “blessing” for the region, crediting the organization with transforming the northern districts into the country’s breadbasket.

BMDA originated in 1985 as the Barind Integrated Area Development Project (BIADP) and was later restructured as BMDA in 1992. The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Ordinance was passed in parliament in 2018, granting legal and operational autonomy. The agency operates in 135 upazilas across Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, implementing deep tube wells, afforestation, canal excavation, irrigation channels, and rural road development. These interventions have increased food production in the region and significantly improved its environmental landscape.

Achievements and Operations

According to BMDA data, in the fiscal year 2024–25, the agency achieved several milestones:

  • Excavated 122 kilometers of state-owned canals and streams

  • Re-excavated 56 government ponds and one large waterbody (beel)

  • Built 22 cross dams and installed two pontoons on rivers

  • Installed solar systems on 56 low-lift pumps (LLPs)

  • Installed 89 LLPs near rivers, canals, and ponds

  • Rehabilitated 450 deep tube wells

  • Constructed 1,305 kilometers of underground pipelines

Since its inception, BMDA has:

  • Re-excavated 2,649 km of canals and 4,313 ponds

  • Excavated eight beels and built 800 cross dams

  • Installed pontoons in 13 rivers and solar systems on 676 LLPs

  • Installed 1,055 LLPs and rehabilitated 4,790 deep tube wells

  • Constructed 15,348 km of underground pipeline infrastructure

As of June 2025, BMDA's network of 15,560 deep tube wells and 991 LLPs provided irrigation to approximately 628,567 hectares of land. This has resulted in the production of about 7,059,984 metric tons of crops, benefiting nearly 1.16 million farmers across the region.

Administrative Challenges and Staffing Shortages

While BMDA’s contributions remain significant, the organization operates with just 125 officials — 95 of whom are serving in acting positions due to a long-standing absence of a structured manpower system. Issues with promotions, salary disparities, and undefined job roles have persisted for nearly two decades.

Since 2003 and 2008, no fresh recruitment has taken place. The total workforce has dropped from 1,250 to 703, with the remaining operational demand met through temporary and outsourced workers.

To address this, BMDA has submitted a proposal for a 1,911-person workforce structure to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Md. Shamsul Hoda, Additional Chief Engineer (Planning), confirmed that the manpower proposal is under consideration at the ministry level. Executive Director Md. Tarikul Alam added that an initial recruitment approval for 600 positions is pending implementation, which could pave the way for the broader proposal.

He also mentioned that administrative discipline is being restored through strategic staff transfers, with more changes expected if necessary.

Despite systemic constraints, BMDA remains a cornerstone in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, offering a blueprint for sustainable rural development in resource-constrained conditions.

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