If Chattogram can be developed, the whole country will automatically develop, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
She said, "Chattogram is the most important city of the country. So, we are very serious about the development of Chattogram. I believe if I can develop Chattogram, the country will develop."
Chattogram has been playing a great role in the country's economy, trade and commerce, mentioned the prime minister.
The premier made the comments while virtually inaugurating the 'Sheikh Hasina Water Treatment Plant-2' of the Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Autho-rity (CWASA) through a programme held at Radisson Blu in the port city on Wednesday.
"People of Chattogram were suffering a lot due to the crisis of drinking water. We had taken up a project to solve the water crisis of Chattogram in 1996," said the prime minister.
"But we could not win the national polls in 2001. As a result, despite the end of the survey, the project could not be started. Later, I took up a step in this regard in 2011. Following this step, the first water treatment plant got operational in 2017, while the second water treatment plant was launched today."
Mentioning the inauguration of the Sheikh Russel Water Treatment Plant at Kalurghat in 2020, the prime minister said her government had taken various steps to solve the water crisis in Chattogram.
"We have a plan to construct five more water treatment plants in Chattogram to ensure pure water for all people of Chattogram," she said.
Moreover, the government has approved a special project for developing the sewerage system in Chattogram, said the premier, adding that five more sewerage plants would be installed soon.
Underscoring the importance of saving rainwater, Sheikh Hasina said, "We can preserve the rainwater which is naturally pure. We have to save our rivers Karnaphuli, Halda and Sangu for ensuring the port and our environment."
The prime minister said she had a plan to construct a marine drive road from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar, in order to protect both the districts from natural disasters like cyclones.
Remembering late Awami League leader of Chattogram ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Sheikh Hasina said Mohiuddin Chowdhury had dreamt of a developed Chattogram.
"He demanded construction of a tunnel under the river Karnaphuli. Now the works of the tunnel are almost complete, but he is no more," lamented the PM.
LGRD Minister Md Tajul Islam, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahamud, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Mominur Rahman and Managing Director of CWASA Engineer A K M Fazlullah addressed the function.LGRD Secretary Helal Uddin Ahamed moderated the event.
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