Cox's Bazar, Jun 13 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Cox's Bazar on Saturday on a one-day official visit, marking his first trip to the district since assuming office following the BNP's victory in the February national elections.

The Prime Minister departed Dhaka from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning and reached Cox's Bazar at approximately 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, he began his schedule by inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Patli Canal in PMkhali Union and later addressed a public gathering there.

According to the day's itinerary, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of several development projects and address a public meeting organized by the local BNP at Chakaria Bus Terminal in the afternoon. He is also expected to participate in a concluding rally later in the evening.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will inspect Marine Drive Road and lay the foundation stones for the long-awaited Pekua Municipality and the proposed Matamuhuri Upazila.

The visit has generated significant enthusiasm among local residents as well as BNP leaders and activists across the district. Many people have expressed hopes that the Prime Minister's visit will bring renewed attention to several long-standing development demands.

Among the key expectations raised by local residents are the upgrading of the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway into a six-lane road, establishment of a public university, ensuring fair prices for salt producers, and effective measures for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Locals have also called for greater investment in the tourism sector, full utilization of Cox's Bazar International Airport, and protection of the region's dry fish industry.

Additional demands include the construction of a sustainable embankment to protect Kutubdia from erosion, a bridge connecting Maheshkhali and Cox's Bazar, stronger measures to prevent drug smuggling, and the installation of barbed-wire fencing along border areas.

Meanwhile, authorities have implemented strict security measures surrounding the Prime Minister's visit. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, along with local administration officials and party leaders, has already inspected rally venues and development project sites ahead of the visit.

END/SMA/AJ