Residents of southern Bangladesh have demanded that one of the three specialized hospitals, planned under the interim government's collaboration with China, be established in the Barishal division.

The demand was made at a press conference held on April 28 at the National Press Club under the banner “A Vital Demand of the People of the South.” The event was organized by business leaders, journalists, professionals, political figures, and people from almost all other walks of life.

Alongside the hospital proposal, participants called for the expansion of the existing two-lane highway from Bhanga to Kuakata into a six-lane highway to improve connectivity in the region.

The press conference highlighted several other demands aimed at improving the overall quality of life and infrastructure in the southern region. These included construction of a railway line from Bhanga to Payra Port; building the Barishal-Bhola Bridge and extending Bhola’s gas supply to all southern districts.

Construction of a bridge over the Boga River in Patuakhali, another from Babuganj to Muladi (Moydaner Hat).

Some residents also asked for a bridge from Patharghata to Barguna Sadar (Kakchira),establishment of an international-standard Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the region, and development of Kuakata into a world-class tourist destination.

Additionally, to help farmers produce three crops annually in the fertile yet underutilized lands of the southern region (formerly Bakerganj district), the speakers emphasized the need for a modern irrigation system. They also urged the government to provide agricultural loans ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 5 million at a 5% interest rate.

Further infrastructure demands included launching a Ro-Ro ferry service at Baraitala in Kakchira, Barguna, and constructing the Amtali-Barguna Bridge to enhance regional transportation.