‘Chashirhat Development Fair’ marks journey to ‘Smart Village’ in Sonaimuri

In a joyous celebration of community progress, the Chashirhat Development Fair commenced yesterday on the Nurul Haque High School premises in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. Thousands of attendees, including villagers and visitors from afar, thronged to witness the inauguration of the week-long event aimed at transforming the region into a ‘Smart Village.’

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, conducted by Hossain Mohammad Salim, the Chief Advisor of Chasheerhat Development Council marked the auspicious beginning of the fair. Salim emphasised the importance of cultural preservation and the need to foster harmony and brotherhood among villagers. He declared that development is essential, expressing the belief that progress is favored by Allah while poverty and unemployment are displeasing to Him.

The fair, organised to create a spirit of cooperative development planning, aims to bring farmers and laborers together. Mr. Salim highlighted the significance of the fair as a platform for villagers to socialise, buy essential items, and strengthen bonds. Transforming the once-called backward village into a smart village stands as a primary objective of the event.

Located at the entrance of Noakhali, Chashirhat, the fair attracted a massive crowd on its opening day. Sixty well-equipped stalls showcased a diverse array of products, with the Chashirhat Development Project’s own products taking center stage. Traditional and unique items from different regions of the country, including Jessore’s date molasses, Chandpur’s hilsa, Laxmipur’s coconut, Tangail’s chamcham, Natore’s kachagolla, Bogra’s curd, Pabna’s ghee, Barisal’s muri, and Chapainawabganj’s ‘Kalai’ bread, added to the fair’s allure.

Ensuring the safety of attendees is a top priority, with a flawless security ring in place. Well-disciplined security personnel, comprising both administration staff and hundreds of volunteers, are stationed throughout the fairgrounds. The installation of CCTV cameras enhances security measures.

The fair’s organiser, Mohiuddin, Director of Chashirhat Development Council, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response from the public. Originally planned as a three-day event, the fair was extended to a week due to the enthusiastic demand. Mohiuddin emphasised that the fair primarily serves as an exhibition of products produced by the Chashirhat Development Project, showcasing the village’s commitment to sustainable progress.