Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning on his first official visit to the district since assuming office.
He landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport at 9:55am, where he was received by senior government officials, local representatives and political leaders.
The prime minister is scheduled to take part in 11 programmes during his daylong visit, which is expected to last around 12 hours. His arrival has generated considerable enthusiasm across the district, with roads, intersections and key public spaces decorated to mark the occasion.
According to the itinerary, Rahman will travel directly from the airport to PMkhali, where he will inaugurate the re-excavation of the historic Patli Canal, a project associated with his father, former president Ziaur Rahman. He is also expected to address a public gathering there.
He will later visit Dulahazara Safari Park and inaugurate a tree-planting programme in the Malumghat reserved forest area.
The prime minister is then scheduled to travel to Pekua, where he will pay respects at the grave of Wasim Akram, described as Chattogram’s first martyr of the July movement, and meet members of his family.
During the Pekua visit, Rahman is also expected to lay the foundation stones of the proposed Pekua municipality and the newly planned Matamuhuri Upazila.
In the afternoon, he will address a public rally organised by the BNP at the Chakaria bus terminal area. Extensive preparations have already been completed for the event.
Following the rally, the prime minister will inspect the Marine Drive road and the Cox’s Bazar beach area. He will later attend a meeting with distinguished citizens at the Long Beach Hotel auditorium.
After completing the day’s programmes, Rahman is expected to leave Cox’s Bazar for Dhaka by air at around 10:00 pm.
Authorities have tightened security across the district ahead of the visit. At the same time, residents have welcomed what is being described as one of the most significant state visits to the country’s premier tourist destination in recent years.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
