Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said his government aims to build a better Bangladesh rather than trying to turn the country into another Singapore or Canada.
“We often heard that Bangladesh would be turned into Singapore, or Canada, or some other country. I do not want to turn Bangladesh into anything else. I want to make Bangladesh a little better,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a civic gathering at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar.
Calling for collective efforts, Tarique Rahman said the responsibility of building a better Bangladesh cannot be carried out by the government alone.
“If we want to achieve that goal, it may not be possible for the government alone. We will have to do it together,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of developing Cox’s Bazar, the premier urged local residents to work towards making the city cleaner, more disciplined and more attractive for visitors.
“When entering Cox’s Bazar, I saw a large signboard that read ‘The World’s Longest Sandy Sea Beach’. All of you represent Cox’s Bazar. If we want to properly showcase Cox’s Bazar, everyone must come forward,” he said.
He said Cox’s Bazar could be transformed into a clean and well-managed city where traffic rules are followed, vehicles operate in an orderly manner and people feel safe.
Questioning the lack of development in the district over the past 17 years, Tarique Rahman said many projects currently under discussion should have been completed long ago.
“A lot of work has accumulated. If we want to change the country, move it to a better place and improve people’s lives, we have to do a lot of work,” he added.
The Prime Minister also spoke about plans to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport and establish a marine university in the district.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam and State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam were present at the event.
Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman and the spouse of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also attended the gathering.
After the programme, Tarique Rahman personally drove along the Marine Drive road to inspect the area before returning to Dhaka.
