May 02 (V7N) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while addressing a civic rally in Sylhet, announced that the government will soon begin upgrading both road and rail connectivity on the Dhaka–Sylhet route to ease travel and boost regional economic activity. He acknowledged that the current highway condition forces travelers to spend nearly 10 hours on the journey due to broken sections. He assured that construction work would start soon, despite earlier delays caused by land acquisition and administrative hurdles, and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within two to three years.  

Highlighting the importance of railways, Rahman said road expansion often leads to increased traffic and loss of agricultural land. He confirmed that work on a double line for the Sylhet–Dhaka railway route would begin shortly, reducing travel costs and enabling cheaper goods transport for businesses.  

On healthcare, the Prime Minister announced plans to build a system modeled on the UK’s National Health Service to ensure equitable access, especially in rural areas. He revealed that 100,000 health workers, 80 percent of them women, would be recruited to provide door-to-door health awareness. Additionally, a 250-bed hospital under Sylhet Medical College will be launched soon, later expanding to 1,200 beds.  

Rahman pledged to expand industries and factories in Sylhet, alongside creating new employment opportunities in the IT sector. Addressing waterlogging, he urged the city corporation to undertake drainage projects and raise public awareness against indiscriminate waste disposal.  

He also announced the launch of Notun Kuri Sports, inspired by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s original Notun Kuri programme, to discover young athletes nationwide. Around 30 lakh children will participate, with the aim of producing athletes capable of winning international medals.  

The Prime Minister reminded the audience that his government is only two and a half months old but has already introduced initiatives such as Family Cards for women, Krishi Cards for farmers, Sport Cards for athletes, and allowances for religious leaders. He concluded by urging unity under the slogan: “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Agee Bangladesh” (We will work and build the country, Bangladesh comes first).  

The rally was attended by senior ministers, advisers, MPs, and BNP leaders, underscoring the significance of the visit and the government’s commitment to Sylhet’s development.  

END/AJ/RH