Cox’s Bazar will become more attractive: HPM Sheikh Hasina

She said that her government has plans for developing Cox's Bazar not only as a tourist area but also as a hub of sports, cultural activities, education and research.

Sheikh Hasina said the marine driveway would not only facilitate the beauty of Cox's Bazar but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of the area which was long been neglected by the post-1975 rulers.

Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Qader, Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq, secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges MN Sidduque also spoke on the occasion.

Parliament members, chiefs of the three services and senior civil and military officials attended the function.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the port city on a 737-800 Boeing aircraft formally inaugurating flights for wide-bodied aircraft on the expanded runway of the Cox’s Bazar International Airport.

She then inaugurated the much-awaited Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Driveway.

Bangladesh Army under the supervision of Roads and Highways Department constructed the 80-km marine driveway.

During her one-day visit, the Premier is set to inaugurate Cox’s Bazar Medical College, 100-bed dormitory of Cox’s Bazar Government Women’s College, academic building cum extension hall of the Cox’s Bazar Government College, two-storey academic building of the Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib Women College in Ukhia and Moheshkhali-Anwara Gas Transmission Pipe Line.

The PM is also scheduled to lay foundations for Cox’s Bazar Airport Development Project (first phase), 595-meter long PC girder box on Bakkhali River at Khuruskhul point, Cox’s Bazar Medical College Hospital, two floating LNG terminals, installation of single point mooring at Moheshkhali, Naf Tourism Park, academic building of Kutubdia College and office building of the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority.

The Prime Minister extended her thanks to Bangladesh Army for the construction of the driveway amidst many hurdles. She recalled memories of six army personnel who died in landslides during construction of the project.

In this regard, the prime minister recalled the role of the army in reconstructing the damaged Buddhist temples and houses in Cox's Bazar a few years back and reconstruction work in CHT after signing of the peace accord in 1997.

She said a dedicated ship would be procured for marine research to tap the sea resources for the socioeconomic development of the country. A football stadium would be constructed beside the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar, she added.

The prime minister said the government has already taken projects for rehabilitation of the people who were evicted for expansion of the Cox's Bazar airport. A dry fish market would be constructed to help them carry out their profession, she said.

She urged all to maintain harmony among various religious and ethnic groups in Cox's Bazar saying Bangladesh would be developed as a peaceful country in South Asia.

Photo: Yeasin Kabir Joy