Rly to connect Cox's Bazar with rest of country: PM

Dohazari-Cox's Bazar railway line, 15 other projects inaugurated

FE Team | Published: November 11, 2023 23:53:02

COX'S BAZAR, Nov 11 (BSS): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Saturday her government would take proper measures to establish rail connectivity between Cox's Bazar and other parts of the country.
"We will take measures to smoothen journey to Cox's Bazar from all over Bangladesh (through rail connectivity)," she said while opening the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Railway Line along with the iconic Cox's Bazar Railway Station unveiling a plaque at the newly constructed rail station here.
Later she also inaugurated 15 development projects, including Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project (2x600), and laid foundation stones of three other projects involving Taka 534.67 billion (53467 crore).
Prior to addressing a grand public meeting at Matarbari in Moheshkhali, she unveiled the inaugural plaque of the development projects around 3:45 in the afternoon.
The prime minister said the countrymen including even herself were eagerly waiting to see trains run from Cox's Bazar to Panchagarh, Rajshahi and the southern part of the country.
With a tone of fun, she also said, "Why Gopalganj and Tungipara will be left out (of the railway connectivity). That means all Bangladesh will be connected with Cox's Bazar."
She said the people of the country now could feel proud for establishing the railway connectivity with Cox's Bazar.
"Today, Cox's Bazar is linked through the railway connectivity. This is the day of feeling proud," she said.
The prime minister said she was really very much pleased as she in person could attend the inaugural ceremony of Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Rail Line.
"I have kept my promise with inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. The demand has been met today," she added.
Briefly describing her government's initiatives to upgrade the rail service, speed and transportation, she said, "We have already taken measures to this end and we will definitely implement those."
The prime minister said the newly constructed six-storey Cox's Bazar Railway Station was the best one in the country in terms of its aesthetic beauty and facilities.
She however asked all people to keep the railway station and the rail neat and clean.
After opening the train line, Sheikh Hasina took a ride on a train from Cox's Bazar to Ramu after buying a ticket for herself.
The train started journey after the premier blew whistle and waved flags.
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Edimon Ginting and Secretary of the Railways Ministry Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir spoke at the inaugural function.
A number of ministers including Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, senior Awami League (AL) leaders and other dignitaries were present.
A video documentary on the activities of Bangladesh Railway and the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Rail Line project was screened at the function.