Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday urged the Chattogram Samiti, Dhaka leadership to work as an agent and to some extent as a "pressure group" for further development of Chattogram which helps grow the country’s economy as a whole.
Highlighting massive development in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar over the last 15 years, he suggested Chattogram Samiti leaders to arrange productive seminars and symposium on Chattogram development issues.
Hasan, also Bangladesh Awami League Joint General Secretary, said Chattogram should not be treated as other divisions of the country as Bangladesh's key seaport is located in Chattogram.
Minister Hasan was speaking as the chief guest marking the journey of the new committee of Chattogram Samiti, Dhaka.
He said sometimes they see lack of understanding among some people and it takes time to make them understand why development is essential.
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The minister credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her leadership for the massive development that Bangladesh witnessed over the last 15 years.
Referring to Bangabandhu Tunnel, he said it has become a reality today. "Nobody did think that tunnel will be a reality."
He mentioned that he recently visited Chattogram and Cox's Bazar with around 34 diplomats.
"The journey from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar by train was close to Europe," he said.
Noting that the entire country has gone through massive development, the foreign minister said he is trying his best for carrying out the next phase of development in Chattogram.
Hasan said things were Dhaka centric during military regimes and said there is a need for decentralisation for a balanced development in the country.
He said Chattogram will see metrorail like Dhaka and within the city it will be underground Metrorail.
