People in Chandpur have raised several development demands, including the establishment of an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and a permanent embankment, ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to the district on Saturday.
The prime minister is scheduled to visit Chandpur to inaugurate the re-excavation of two canals and distribute Family Cards.
Ahead of the visit, Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Chandpur district BNP president and lawmaker from Chandpur-3, presented local people’s expectations at a press briefing on Friday at the Chandpur Government College campus.
The demands include the establishment of an EPZ on around 200-250 acres of land, which locals believe could generate employment for around 150,000 people and boost the economy of Chandpur and neighbouring districts.
Residents also called for the construction of a 60km permanent embankment along the Meghna River and the continuation of the already approved economic zone project aimed at strengthening regional industrial growth.
Manik said the economic zone project had already been approved and implementation work would proceed, dismissing what he described as misinformation over its status.
Officials concerned said the prime minister would inaugurate the Khorddo canal re-excavation in the Waruk area of Shahrasti upazila at noon and the Bishwakhal canal re-excavation in the Ghosherhat area of Chandpur Sadar upazila at 1:45pm.
At 3:30pm, he will distribute Family Cards and address a public gathering at Chandpur Government College field. Later, at 5:30pm, he will exchange views with BNP leaders and activists at Chandpur Club.
The briefing was attended by District Parishad Administrator and Chandpur district BNP General Secretary Advocate Salim Ullah Selim, Chandpur Press Club leaders and media representatives.