Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that all roads in the haor region will be elevated for unobstructed water flow, aquaculture and maintaining smooth waterways.

“I have already given directives that in every haor, beel and wetland area each and every road will be elevated,” she said.

The prime minister said this while speaking at a programme on the occasion of inaugurating Bir Muktijoddha Abdul Hamid Cantonment at Mithamoin.

She said that all roads will be elevated so that the water flow during the rainy season will not be hindered, movement of fish and boats will not be obstructed, and the local communication system will not be hampered.

“… That way the communication system from the cantonment to Sylhet and Dhaka will be eased,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that she thinks the cantonment in Mithamoin will play a pivotal role in maintaining overall security in the haor area.

“Besides, our defence system in the north-eastern region will be strengthened,” she added.

Read: President at Mithamain to welcome PM

She said that people of the haor areas always struggle during natural disasters for survival. 

The PM said that valiant Freedom fighter President Abdul Hamid has been elected repeatedly from the area since 1970, and served the masses.

“Remaining by the people of this remote area and being the constant companion during their good and bad times, he worked tirelessly to change their fate,” she said.

She mentioned that when he became the president, he wished to establish a cantonment in the area which would contribute to overall development of the region.

“As per his wish, we have set up this cantonment,” the PM said.

She said that the president has always played his role – whatever the post, deputy leader, deputy speaker, speaker and the president – with utmost sincerity.

“He has finished two tenures as the president. We have decided to name the cantonment after him,” she said.

The prime minister said that the president has had a major role in the country’s independence and in rebuilding the country after the Liberation War. “He is a devoted soul and leads an honest life to serve people of the country. We are very happy to name this cantonment after him.”

The prime minister said that although Bangladesh believes in the global peace, unfortunately, the country’s advancement has been barred due to the coronavirus pandemic and worldwide recession following the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The world is suffering from economic recession due to that. The prices of essentials and transportation costs have gone up significantly. Price of each and every item is out of reach,” she observed.

In this connection he said that developed countries are also suffering the impact.

She said that to avoid any unwanted situation in Bangladesh, she has urged all not to leave even a single inch of land uncultivated.

Read: Apply innovative power, talents to build Bangladesh: PM to BCS officers

The PM said that the government will move the economy forward so that the wave of recession does not severely impact the country. “We have to move with cautiousness, we have to maintain austerity and save our resources.”

Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League government has restructured the army as they have established 17 infantry divisions in Sylhet, 10 infantry divisions in Ramu and 7 infantry divisions in Barishal.

She said that the government in the last four years has established 3 brigades and 58 small and large units under various formations. 

At the same time, she said, they have established 27 small and big units as ad hoc and reorganised 9 organisations. 

Last year, she said, they established Sheikh Russel Cantonment in Mawa-Jazira. 

“At present, two new cantonments are in progress at Rajbari and Trishal,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina said that they are working hard to modernise the army. So far, the army has procured state-of-the-art aircraft, helicopters, Tiger MLRS, Shorad Missiles, 4th generation tanks, APCs, missiles and other war equipment, she mentioned.

Besides, advanced IT equipment and modern vehicles have been purchased, she said.  

About the CMHs, the premier said that the hospitals have been equipped with modern medical equipment. 

She said they have organised advanced training and accommodation, and constructed mess and SM barrack for army personnel of all ranks. “We have also increased other facilities including salary and ration.”

Considering the Bengali diet, she said, “We have arranged two meals of rice and fish-meat instead of bread.”

She also raised the flag, released balloons, inspected a parade and received salute. She planted a sapling there and signed the visitor’s book.