PM to visit Khulna twice in two weeks

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Khulna on October 22 and November 5, with the administration already beginning preparations for the proposed visits.

The October 22 trip would be his first visit to Khulna as prime minister since the election.

According to the tentative itinerary, Tarique will travel to Akram Point via Nalian in Dakop upazila on October 22 to assess the feasibility of establishing infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) import and regasification.

A floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) stores imported LNG aboard a vessel before converting it back into gas for supply through pipelines. The government plans to increase LNG-handling capacity and gas supply in the country’s southwestern region by establishing such a terminal.

However, final approval, investment, construction timelines and the start of gas supplies for the proposed project have yet to be confirmed. The prime minister’s anticipated visit is part of the assessment of the site’s suitability.

Ahead of the visit, National Parliament Whip and Khulna-3 MP Rakibul Islam Bakul inspected the grounds of Nalian Secondary School in Dakop on Friday. Khulna-1 MP Amir Ejaz Khan, Khulna District Council Administrator and district BNP acting member secretary SM Monirul Hasan Bappy, and local leaders were also present.

Dakop Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Borhan Uddin Mithu said the prime minister was scheduled to land by helicopter at the school grounds on October 22 before travelling to Akram Point by Coast Guard speedboat. However, no administrative or political programme is planned for him in Dakop, he added.

Amir Ejaz Khan said the visit was official and that the administration and local leaders were preparing for the prime minister’s arrival despite the absence of any local programme. Residents were looking forward to seeing him, he added.

Meanwhile, Tarique is scheduled to inaugurate the second edition of the Notun Kuri Sports programme at Khulna District Stadium at 4:00pm on November 5.

A preparatory meeting was held at the Khulna deputy commissioner’s conference room on October 12. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, emphasised coordination among government offices ahead of the visit. Officials were also instructed to ensure regular attendance at work and reduce unnecessary casual leave.