Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced plans on Saturday to upgrade the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway to a six-lane road, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Cox’s Bazar.
Addressing a public rally organised by the local BNP at Chakaria Bus Terminal, the prime minister said the highway had seen little improvement since his last visit to Cox’s Bazar 25 years ago and stressed the need for the accelerated development of the district.
Tarique Rahman, who is also chairman of the BNP, said the government’s newly announced budget aimed to create employment opportunities for unemployed people across the country.
He said those opposing the budget were effectively opposing job creation and economic opportunities for the unemployed.
Referring to criticism from opposition parties, the prime minister said that those objecting to higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol did not represent the interests of ordinary people.
He also announced that all upazila health complexes across the country would be upgraded to 100-bed facilities.
The prime minister further said that the government planned to distribute 4.2 million family cards and 4 million agricultural cards under the next national budget.
“These initiatives are all part of the ‘I Have a Plan’ programme,” he said.
The rally was presided over by Chakaria Upazila BNP president Enamul Haque.
Speaking at the event, Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed said the six-lane expansion of the highway had been one of the party’s election pledges.
He also expressed gratitude to the prime minister for taking initiatives to ensure a minimum price of Tk 15 per kilogram for salt produced by coastal farmers.
Cox’s Bazar district BNP general secretary and lawmaker Shamima Ara Swapna also addressed the gathering.
Cabinet members, lawmakers, and senior BNP leaders attended the rally.
Earlier in the evening, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of Matamuhuri Upazila and police station, making it the tenth upazila in Cox’s Bazar district.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
