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The implementation of the Padma barrage and a second Padma Bridge will open new opportunities and transform the fortunes of Rajbari, said State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Rajbari-1 MP Ali Newaz Mahmud Khoyam.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Rajbari district unit of the BNP at the Rajbari Municipality Community Centre on Saturday afternoon, marking the historic November 7 National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Khoyam said he had been campaigning for the Padma barrage and the second Padma Bridge since 1993.
“After a long 34 years, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that a Y-shaped Padma Bridge will be constructed, connecting Rajbari and Pabna. Work on the Padma barrage has already started, while the prime minister has given formal approval to initiate the process for the second Padma Bridge,” he said.
The state minister said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and his son Tarique Rahman was now leading the country as prime minister.
“We are dreaming anew. Bangladesh must be rebuilt,” he said, adding that the country was grappling with various problems after Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure in power.
He pointed to poor road conditions, extortion and other challenges, saying it would not be possible to resolve all the problems overnight.
Khoyam said he had visited different districts after taking charge as state minister and witnessed a bleak situation across the country. He alleged that little development had taken place over the past 20 years and stressed the need to rebuild the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Outlining development plans for Rajbari, he said efforts were underway to establish the country’s largest railway workshop in the district.
He also said an initiative was being considered to reorganise the 14 unions of Rajbari Sadar upazila and form a new upazila comprising five unions.
He called for unity among party leaders and activists, warning that no conspiracy should be allowed to undermine their efforts.
The meeting was chaired by former district BNP convener Naim Ansari and moderated by former district BNP office secretary A Majid Biswas.
Among others, former district BNP member-secretary ABM Manjurul Alam Dulal, district Jubo Dal convener Khairul Anam Bakul, district Krishak Dal convener Ayubur Rahman Ayub, district Sramik Dal general secretary Shah Alam, district Olama Dal general secretary Hafez Lokman Hossain, district Mohila Dal general secretary Yasmin Akter Pia and district Chhatra Dal senior joint convener Omar Faruk spoke at the event.
Speakers highlighted the history, background and significance of the historic November 7 National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
