Dhaka, May 15 -- Bangladesh has finally granted city corporation status to Bogura, turning the key northern city into the country's newest metropolitan authority after years of demand and anticipation.

The Local Government Division issued the gazette on Thursday, following a foundation stone ceremony at Bogura Municipality on Apr 20, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the project framework.

The gazette confirms the formation under Section 3(3) of the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009, merging the municipality with surrounding expanded areas.

The new city corporation comprises 21 wards, incorporating parts of Sadar and Shahjahanpur upazilas along with the existing municipal area.

The included areas encompass Ph...