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Bangladesh’s first dedicated cycle track has been inaugurated on the airport road adjacent to Shah Amanat International Airport in Patenga, Chattogram, offering cyclists a safer space to travel.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the track at around 11am on Friday.
Built under a road development project of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), the facility aims to ensure safer movement for cyclists, encourage environmentally friendly transport and promote physical fitness among city residents.
According to project information, the track is approximately 2.2 kilometres long and includes footpaths, a central road divider and landscaping facilities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Amir Khosru said cycling was not merely a recreational activity, as many people relied on bicycles to commute to work and perform everyday tasks.
“These are everyday needs of citizens, not luxuries. In a civilised and developed country, these are basic needs that must be met. We have to create space for everyone,” he said.
He said the initiative reflected the government’s goal of building an inclusive country. Highlighting the health benefits of cycling, he stressed the need for safe spaces where people could ride bicycles for commuting and exercise.
The minister said more cycle tracks would be developed in different parts of Chattogram in phases. He also emphasised the need for pedestrian-friendly pathways, particularly along both sides of canals, to give residents more opportunities to walk and exercise.
CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said the city corporation was proud to introduce the country’s first cycle track. He said the track was nearly three kilometres long, with flowering plants along both sides for beautification. A pedestrian walkway has also been developed alongside the track.
The mayor said the initiative was aimed at creating a safe, environmentally friendly and modern transport system for residents and tourists. He added that infrastructure development would continue to make Chattogram a more liveable city.
According to the city corporation, the airport road has been developed under road expansion and infrastructure improvement projects. The work includes a cycle track and landscaped pedestrian walkway on one side, footpaths on both sides and a central divider.
Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah, Chattogram-9 MP Abu Sufian, Chattogram-12 MP Enamul Haque Enam, CCC Chief Executive Officer Md Ashraful Amin and other officials and political leaders attended the inauguration ceremony.