Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had a broader master plan for the development of Cox’s Bazar as well as the country as a whole.
He made the remarks at a brief public gathering held at PMkhali in Cox’s Bazar Sadar following the inauguration of the re-excavation work of the historic Patli Canal, which is associated with the memory of former president Ziaur Rahman.
Addressing the audience partly in the regional dialect of Chattogram, Salahuddin Ahmed recalled the canal excavation programme initiated by Ziaur Rahman and later continued under former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Turning to the prime minister, he said that speaking in standard Bangla in the area sometimes made him feel like an outsider.
“I did not come here to deliver a speech.” Our leader will speak. I just came here, but standing in front of a microphone feels natural,’ he told the gathering.
The home affairs adviser said, ‘There is a larger master plan for Cox’s Bazar and for the whole of Bangladesh. Our leader has said, “I have a plan.” We also say, “We have a plan.” That plan is already being implemented, and people across the country have started to see its impact.’
He described Tarique Rahman as a symbol of the people’s hopes and aspirations and sought prayers and support for him.
Earlier in the day, a US-Bangla Airlines flight carrying the prime minister landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport at 9:55 am, where he was received by local administration officials.
During his daylong visit, the prime minister was scheduled to attend a series of programs, including the launch of a nationwide tree-planting campaign, the foundation-stone laying ceremonies for Pekua Municipality and Matamuhuri Upazila, a public rally, and a meeting with local dignitaries. He is expected to return to Dhaka later in the evening.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
