United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad on Monday inspected preparations for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Feni, including the venue of a proposed roadside public meeting. The state minister visited Kheya Ghat in Parshuram upazila, areas along the Muhuri River and the proposed meeting venue. During the visit, he discussed the overall preparations with officials concerned. Forhad said people in Parshuram and adjoining areas of Feni are enthusiastic about the Prime Minister’s visit. “All departments concerned are working in coordination to ensure that the Prime Minister’s visit is completed smoothly, safely and successfully,” he said. The state minister also highlighted the importance of the Muhuri-Kahua flood control and drainage project, undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources to address long-standing problems of flooding, waterlogging and river erosion in the river basin. “Once the project is implemented, it will bring positive changes to the livelihoods, agriculture, business and overall socioeconomic activities of people living across the riverbank areas. At the same time, people’s lives and properties and agricultural land will be better protected from flood damage,” he said. The approved cost of the project is Tk 1,542 crore, according to recent reports. Forhad instructed officials to give the highest priority to quality, environmental considerations and the interests of local people in implementing the project. He also stressed the importance of sustainable water management while taking into account the views and needs of local residents. Later, the state minister exchanged views with local journalists and said the Prime Minister’s visit would be significant for the people of Feni. He said implementation of the Muhuri-Kahua flood control and drainage project could help address the long-standing problems of flooding and waterlogging. “This will create opportunities to bring greater stability to agricultural production, transport and communications, local businesses and trade, and people’s normal lives,” Forhad said. “We want to permanently protect the people of Feni from the suffering caused by flooding and waterlogging. The Ministry of Water Resources is implementing necessary plans and activities to achieve this goal,” he said. “We hope the Prime Minister’s visit will further accelerate water management and development activities in this region,” he added. Feni-1 MP Munshi Rafiqul Alam, Feni-2 MP Joynal Abdin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Mahbubul Karim and officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, among others, were present during the visit.