Prime Minister Pledges to Upgrade Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway to Six Lanes
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivering his speech. Photo: Agamir Somoy
The Prime Minister has assured that the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway will be upgraded from four lanes to six lanes, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Cox’s Bazar.
He also announced that the government will soon set a fixed price for salt to ensure fair value for salt farmers.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the chief guest at a public rally organised by the local BNP at the Chiringa Municipal Bus Terminal field in Chakaria on Saturday evening.
He said, “The Cox’s Bazar I saw 25 years ago has not changed much in terms of road infrastructure. Yet the importance of Cox’s Bazar has increased manifold. Within a few days, the Matarbari deep-sea port will be operational. This region will become one of the key centres of the country’s economic activity. Therefore, upgrading the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway to at least six lanes is a necessity of time.”
He added, “The highway expansion project will begin soon. Once implemented, it will bring new momentum to tourism, trade, and industry.”
Highlighting the hardships of salt farmers, the Prime Minister said, “Despite years of hard work, salt farmers often do not receive fair prices. Very soon, a price will be fixed so that no farmer suffers losses.”
“The government is committed to protecting the interests of productive citizens of the country, and special importance is being given to agriculture and the salt sector,” he added.
Speaking about the recently announced national budget, he said, “The budget we presented two days ago is for the welfare of ordinary people. Taxes on essential goods have been reduced. Special initiatives have been included to create employment.”
He further stated, “Those who oppose this budget are essentially opposing employment opportunities for the unemployed. Those who even oppose increased taxes on cigarettes and alcohol do not engage in politics for the people.”
According to Tarique Rahman, this is a people’s budget, a development-oriented budget, and a responsible budget for future generations.
At the rally, the Prime Minister also announced that 4.2 million families will be brought under a Family Card program in the next budget. Additionally, 4 million farmers will receive agricultural cards.
He said improving the living standards of farmers, workers, low-income people, and marginal communities is the government’s main objective. “We want state benefits to reach people directly at their doorstep,” he added.
Promising improvements in healthcare, he said all upazila health complexes will be gradually upgraded to 100-bed hospitals, which will improve healthcare access in rural areas and reduce pressure on district hospitals.
At one point, he said these initiatives are not isolated decisions but part of a long-term development plan. “I said, ‘I have a plan.’ Today, we are moving towards implementing that plan.”
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who also spoke at the rally, said, “Upgrading the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway to six lanes was part of our election pledge. This announcement by the Prime Minister has paved the way to fulfilling the long-standing demand of the people of Cox’s Bazar.”
Earlier in the evening, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Matarbari Upazila and police station, the newly established 10th upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. Locals have viewed this initiative as an important step toward bringing administrative services closer to citizens.
The rally, chaired by Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque, was also addressed by District BNP General Secretary Advocate Shamim Ara Shapna MP.
Several cabinet members, MPs, government officials, and a large number of BNP leaders and activists were present at the event.
The Prime Minister’s series of development announcements generated strong enthusiasm among the crowd. In particular, the declaration to upgrade the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway to six lanes was widely welcomed as a long-awaited dream of the people of Cox’s Bazar.