Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Visit Khulna on Thursday in First Official Tour to Inspect the Sundarbans and Mongla Port
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is travelling to Khulna and Mongla on Thursday as part of an on-the-ground assessment of the south-western region's economic potential and its various ongoing development activities. It will be his first official visit to the region as head of government since forming the government through the general election.
According to the announced itinerary, the Prime Minister will observe the overall environment of the Sundarbans and Hiran Point from the air by helicopter. He will then land at the Nalian Secondary School field in Dacope upazila.
Officials believe the feasibility of setting up a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal may also receive importance during the visit. The question of energy infrastructure beside the Sundarbans is significant from both environmental and economic perspectives.
On the overall preparations, Khulna-1 MP Amir Ejaz Khan said the Prime Minister is coming to Nalian in Dacope on a fully official visit. Although no formal or political programme has been scheduled locally, comprehensive preparations have been completed in coordination between the administration and public representatives ahead of the head of government's arrival. Great interest has also been created among local residents.
Dacope Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Borhan Uddin Mithu said that after landing at the Nalian field by helicopter, the Prime Minister will board a Coast Guard speedboat towards Akram Point. He will then travel by river to Mongla Port.
On reaching Mongla, the head of government will attend an important meeting organised by the port authority. He will then inspect the port's jetty area in person.
Expanding the scope of port-centred commercial activity, and the large employment and new investment expected around the economic zone proposed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), will receive special importance during the visit. The tour is directly linked to the plan to turn Mongla Port into the economic heart of the south-western region.
Overall, officials say, the visit is aimed at accelerating the south-west's economic transformation by protecting the Sundarbans' natural balance and developing tourism, increasing Mongla Port's capacity, and launching the planned economic zone.
Administrative preparations in Khulna and Dacope for the Prime Minister's visit have already been completed. His arrival has generated enthusiasm among local people, especially over expectations of employment around Mongla Port and the economic zone.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to return to Khulna on November 5. On that day he will formally inaugurate the second edition of 'Natun Kuri Sports' at Khulna District Stadium.
All eyes are now on what decisions the government takes after Thursday's visit regarding Mongla Port's capacity expansion, the proposed economic zone and the LNG terminal.
