COX’S BAZAR, Jan 18 (V7N) — Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh for the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Industries, and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Adilur Rahman Khan, on Saturday said no one would be able to violate Bangladesh’s borders if the people and security forces remain alert and conscious.

He made the remarks at around 2:30 pm while responding to journalists’ questions after inspecting the Rain Water Reservoir Project located in Anjumanpara area of Palongkhali Union under Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The adviser was asked about recent incidents in which a school student named Afnan was injured by gunfire allegedly fired by the Arakan Army from across the Myanmar border, and Mohammad Hanif, who lost a leg in a landmine explosion.

Adilur Rahman Khan said the influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh has created a severe shortage of safe drinking water in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district. Considering the water needs of the local population, the government has undertaken the Rain Water Reservoir Project to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water.

He said the project would play a significant role in reducing water scarcity in the area and ensuring sustainable water supply for local residents. Through proper implementation, the local community will benefit from a reliable source of safe water, he added.

“The people of Bangladesh and the security forces are always vigilant. Everyone must remain united and aware to protect the country’s borders and sovereignty,” the adviser said, expressing optimism that any form of foreign aggression could be resisted through collective efforts.

He also said that the upcoming referendum scheduled to be held on February 12 would reflect national unity and the will of the people. Calling on citizens to participate actively, he urged them to vote “Yes” to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty.

During the visit, the adviser inspected various components of the Rain Water Reservoir Project and exchanged views with officials, employees and other stakeholders involved in its implementation.

Earlier in the day, at around 11:00 am, he visited several Rohingya camps, including Camp No. 4 of Kutupalong in Ukhiya Upazila. The projects being implemented there are funded by the Asian Development Bank and executed by the Department of Public Health Engineering.

During the visit, Adilur Rahman Khan also held discussions with camp officials and representatives of various non-governmental organizations providing services in the Rohingya camps.

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