Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government will soon begin work to upgrade road and rail connectivity on the Dhaka–Sylhet route to ease travel and boost regional economic activity.
Addressing a civic rally at Sylhet City Corporation’s Nagar Bhaban in the Chandni Ghat area, he said the current road condition is poor, with travel time stretching to nearly 10 hours due to damaged sections.
He recalled his earlier commitment to develop the route and said the project had faced delays due to land acquisition problems at 11 locations and other administrative issues. However, he noted that the সংশ্লিষ্ট ministry has taken steps to begin construction soon, expressing hope that the work would be completed within two to three years.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a project to enhance beautification and build flood protection infrastructure along both banks of the Surma River in the Chandni Ghat area.
Emphasizing long-term transport strategy, he said expanding roads alone would increase traffic and reduce agricultural land. Instead, he stressed the need to strengthen railways and confirmed that work on a double railway line between Dhaka and Sylhet would begin soon, which would reduce travel and transportation costs.
On healthcare, the Prime Minister said the government is working to develop a system inspired by the National Health Service model to improve rural healthcare access. He announced plans to recruit 100,000 health workers—around 80 percent of them women—to provide doorstep health awareness services across the country.
He also said steps are underway to launch a 250-bed hospital under Sylhet Medical College, which will later be expanded to 1,200 beds.
Regarding economic development, Tarique Rahman said industrial expansion in Sylhet would continue, alongside new employment opportunities in the IT sector.
Addressing waterlogging, he noted that the issue is widespread across the country and urged the Sylhet City Corporation to take initiatives and raise public awareness, particularly discouraging improper waste disposal such as plastic and polythene.
He also announced plans to introduce “Notun Kuri Sports,” inspired by a programme launched by Ziaur Rahman, to identify young talent. Around 30 lakh children are expected to participate, with the aim of producing future international athletes.
Highlighting early achievements, the Prime Minister said the government has already introduced programmes such as Family Card, Krishi Card, Sport Card, and allowances for imams, muezzins, and leaders of other religions, with more initiatives to be implemented gradually.
He expressed optimism about building Bangladesh into a developed nation through collective effort, urging citizens to work together under the slogan “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Agee Bangladesh.”
Among others, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Adviser Humaiun Kobir, and Whip Md Gk Gouse spoke at the event, which was chaired by Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.
Prime Minister’s spouse Zubaida Rahman, MPs Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Shammi Akhter, and BNP Advisory Council member Enamul Haque Chowdhury were also present.