PRAN Group plays a great role in the economic growth and social progress of grassroots people of Natore through setting up an agro processing plant.The conglomerate is playing an important role alongside with the government for the social and economic development of the northern districts of Bangladesh, said Hazrat Ali, deputy general manager at PRAN Agro Ltd.He was speaking to a view exchange program followed by iftar with Natore journalists on Thursday.Despite problems, PRAN Group set up the agro processing plant at Ekdala of Natore in 2000. At present, 6000 people mostly women are working in the factory.The socio-economy index of the area began to change gradually after the establishment of the factory, he said.The company is working for empowering the marginalized people, especially for the women, he added.PRAN has started mango collection from local farmers of the northern region to meet the yearly requirements. Besides, tomato, peanut, pulse, guava, pineapple and other crops have also collected at the factory.A 50-bed general Hospital named Sun Health Care, a sister concern of PRAN-RFL Group would be launched in Natore this year.The program was addressed, among others, by Abdul Kader, manager, Md. Hasem Reza, sub-assistant manager (Admin) at PRAN Agro Ltd.