Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday formally inaugurated the re-excavation of the historic Patli Canal in PMkhali under Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, a project closely associated with the legacy of his father, former President Ziaur Rahman.
The inauguration took place at 10:50 a.m. when the prime minister ceremonially broke ground with a spade, marking the start of the canal restoration work.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, senior government officials, and members of the administration were present at the event.
The occasion carried special historical significance, as Rahman inaugurated the project from the same location where Ziaur Rahman had launched the canal excavation programme in 1979. Following the inauguration, the prime minister planted a sapling at the site.
Historical records show that in November 1979, Ziaur Rahman initiated the excavation of the Patli Canal to improve drainage and irrigation facilities for local residents and farmers.
During that visit, he also planted a date palm tree on the canal bank, which still stands nearly five decades later as a reminder of the project’s history.
The visit marks Tarique Rahman’s first official trip to Cox’s Bazar since assuming office as prime minister. He arrived at Cox’s Bazar Airport at 9:55am and was welcomed by senior officials, local representatives and political leaders.
During the daylong visit, the prime minister is scheduled to participate in 11 programmes across the district. His arrival has generated considerable public interest, with a festive atmosphere reported in different parts of Cox’s Bazar.
After inaugurating the canal project, Rahman addressed a roadside public gathering. He is also scheduled to visit Dulahazara Safari Park and take part in a tree-planting programme in the Malumghat reserved forest area.
Later in the day, he will travel to Pekua to pay respects at the grave of Wasim Akram, described as Chattogram’s first martyr of the July movement, and meet members of his family.
He is also expected to lay the foundation stones for the proposed Pekua municipality and Matamuhuri Upazila.
In the afternoon, the prime minister will address a public rally organised by the BNP at the Chakaria bus terminal area.
The itinerary also includes visits to the Marine Drive road and Cox’s Bazar beach area, followed by a meeting with distinguished citizens at the auditorium of Long Beach Hotel.
Rahman is expected to return to Dhaka by air at around 10:00 pm after completing the scheduled programmes.
Security measures have been significantly strengthened across the district for the visit. At the same time, residents have expressed enthusiasm over what is being viewed as one of the most high-profile official visits to Cox’s Bazar in recent years.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
