Prime Minister’s Decision Saves 3,000 Trees

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed that the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive widening project proceed without cutting down trees. Considering the preservation of environmental balance, the Ministry of Road Transport is implementing the Prime Minister's directive, resulting in conserving some three thousand trees.

On April 21, Road Transport, Bridges, and Railway Minister Robiul Islam, the Prime Minister’s Defense Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, and State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid Habib conducted a field inspection of the Marine Drive vicinity. They held meetings with relevant officials and engineers to widen the road without chopping down a single plant. Following this, the expansion work began while preserving the three thousand trees.

According to those involved, work is underway to upgrade the nearly 80-kilometer road from Kolatoli to Teknaf’s Sabrang Zero Point into four lanes. Initially, it was assumed that a large number of trees would have to be felled to widen the road. However, that plan was revised following the Prime Minister’s instructions.

In the past, various development projects have caused environmental damage through deforestation. Drawing from those experiences, the current initiative places special emphasis on environmental conservation.

Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said beyond preserving existing trees, initiatives have also been taken to plant new ornamental trees on both sides of the road to make the entire Marine Drive more aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly, and tourist-friendly.

Ministry officials noted that the construction of this expansion project is primarily being supervised by the 16th and 17th Engineering Construction Battalions of the Army. The project includes road widening, the construction of a 305-meter-long two-lane bridge over the Reju Canal, RCC retaining walls, the installation of CC blocks, and utility relocation, with plans for completion by 2026.