Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the government will take effective steps to connect the entire country with Cox’s Bazar through the railway, in addition to improving rail services, speed, and transportation on a global scale through rail connections. “We will make it easier for people from all over Bangladesh to travel to Cox’s Bazar (via rail connections),” she added.
Sheikh Hasina made these remarks while inaugurating the newly constructed railway station and inaugurating the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway line on Saturday at the iconic Cox’s Bazar Railway Station. She emphasized that her government aims to establish direct rail connectivity between Dhaka, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar, along with providing access to Panchagarh, Rajshahi, the southern region of the country, and the Sundarbans. The goal is to connect the entire Bangladesh with Cox’s Bazar, bypassing Gopalganj and Tungipara.
The Prime Minister highlighted that establishing railway connectivity with Cox’s Bazar has made the people of the country proud. She expressed her desire to travel from Cox’s Bazar to Panchagarh, Rajshahi, the southern region of the country, and the Sundarbans by rail. She mentioned that the inclusion of Gopalganj and Tungipara means that the entire Bangladesh will be connected to Cox’s Bazar.
Sheikh Hasina explained that this project would lead to significant changes in the tourism sector once these connections are established, and she expressed her belief in the potential of this development for tourism in the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized that her government aims to improve the entire railway passenger and cargo transportation system within Bangladesh over the next 3-4 years, making it capable of international standards. She noted the various infrastructural developments related to the project, including major bridges, culverts, stations, and modern computer-controlled signaling systems.
Sheikh Hasina also pointed out the progress Bangladesh has made economically over the past 15 years. Her government has provided cash assistance and encouragement to all sectors of the population, helping them during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also mentioned her government’s efforts in expanding the railway network across the country.
She cautioned the public to be careful about preserving these developments, highlighting the importance of taking care of the railway carriages, platforms, and stations and making them clean and tidy.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that there is still more to be done for the development of Cox’s Bazar and the entire country. She emphasized that her government is committed to the overall development of Bangladesh, making it a beautiful and prosperous nation for future generations.
In the program, Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, Adim Ginting, Country Director of Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, also delivered speeches. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud and several other ministers, senior leaders of the Awami League, and other prominent personalities were present at the event.
During the event, a video documentary showcasing the railway projects and the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway line was presented. Before reaching the railway station, local artists welcomed the Prime Minister with traditional dances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
