He made the call in his speech at a mass meeting on Muktijodhdha Abdul Haque Government College premises.
Nagorik Commiittee of Mithamoin Upazilla organised the meeting.
“The government has taken an extensive programme to develop the country. As part of development, many programmes have been taken to save the hoar areas. People will get the benefit soon. But it is very sorry to say, some people started building houses next to the under-construction highway connecting three upazilas of the district," he said.
He also said the unplanned infrastructure in the haor areas will hamper the development.
“It is your responsibility to save the development works as it is an asset now and you will get benefit from them. Alongside, you will have to take proper approval from the local administration before building any structures in the haor areas," he said.
Urging the people to follow the existing environment law, he warned that the administration will take strict action if anyone violates the law.
Terming the haor areas as one of the most lucrative tourist spots, he noted that many people come to visit them every day. “If we can provide facilities to the tourist, it will create employment for us,” he said.
"You (people) will have to be aware of the proper maintenance of development. If development is not sustainable, we cannot attract tourists,” he added.
He said there is a rise in corruption with the increasing development trend.
President Hamid urged the people’s representatives to play active role in sustaining the ongoing development. “Do not cheat people and try to lead an honest life. Then our country will be developed on a large scale, even the scenario of haor will be changed.”
On his arrival at Mithamoin, his birthplace, President Hamid offered fateha at the graves of his parents – Md Tayebuddin and Tomiza Khatun – and relatives after Jumma prayers at a mosque adjacent to his ancestral home at Kamalpur village.
He arrived at Tarail Upazilla of Kishoreganj on October 9 on a seven-day visit. He attended two separate gatherings at Tarail upazila during his visit.
He is scheduled to witness different development projects including the under-construction highway connecting three upazilas of the district.
President Hamid held a series of view-exchange meetings with local elites, elected representatives and representatives of local administration.
Upazilla Chairmam Asia Alam presided over the programme while secretaries concerned to the President were also present.
Zilla Parishad Chairman Zilliur Rahman, Public Prosecutor Shah Azizul Haque also spoke at the programme.
Secretaries concerned to the President and senior officials of the local administration were also present during the meeting.