Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on his first official visit to Sylhet since assuming office, announced major development plans to address the long-standing connectivity crisis on the Dhaka–Sylhet route, covering both road and rail sectors. He also highlighted several initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, urban management and sports.
The prime minister arrived at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on Saturday to begin his visit. He later started his official program by visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal. From there, he went to Chandnighat to inaugurate a project aimed at beautifying both banks of the Surma River and building flood-control infrastructure.
Addressing a civic reception organised by Sylhet City Corporation, the prime minister said the current condition of the Dhaka–Sylhet highway is extremely poor, often forcing travellers to spend up to 10 hours on the road. In line with his election pledge, the government has taken initiatives to upgrade the route.
He noted that the project faces several challenges, including land acquisition issues—particularly complications in acquiring land for site offices. However, he said the relevant ministries are working to resolve the problems and expressed hope that implementation would begin soon.
The prime minister said public suffering would be significantly reduced if the road development work is completed within the next two to three years.
Alongside road development, he stressed the importance of improving rail connectivity, saying road expansion alone cannot provide a long-term solution to traffic congestion. Instead, railways could offer a more sustainable alternative.
To this end, he announced plans to introduce a double rail line on the Sylhet–Dhaka route, which would ease passenger travel and allow businesses to transport goods at lower costs.
Highlighting a major rural healthcare initiative, the prime minister said the government plans to develop a system modelled after the National Health Service. Around 100,000 healthcare workers will be recruited nationwide, nearly 80% of them women.
These workers will provide primary healthcare services and raise awareness at the grassroots level. He also said a 250-bed hospital under Sylhet Medical College will soon be made operational and gradually expanded to 1,200 beds.
Referring to waterlogging in Sylhet and other cities, the prime minister described it as a national issue. He said infrastructural development alone cannot solve the problem without public awareness.
He urged city corporations to take initiatives not only in project implementation but also in improving waste management and raising awareness about plastic use.
Canal re-excavation in Basia River inaugurated
Later in the day, the prime minister inaugurated a canal re-excavation program in Kashipur Union under the Basia River, symbolically launching the work by digging soil himself.
He said the re-excavation would directly benefit around 80,000 farmers and indirectly another 150,000, significantly boosting crop production. Similar canal re-excavation programs have already begun in different parts of the country and will be expanded gradually.
He also highlighted initiatives such as farmer cards, loan facilities, fertiliser and seed supply, and direct financial assistance for farmers.
Launch of Notun Kuri Sports 2026
In the afternoon, the prime minister inaugurated the Notun Kuri Sports 2026 program at Sylhet Stadium. The initiative aims to identify and nurture sporting talent from the grassroots level.
Officials said children aged 12 to 14 will be included from union and ward levels across the country.
The prime minister said young students are the future of the nation, and the country’s next generation of leaders will emerge from among them. He encouraged students to develop themselves through both education and sports.
“You have to study and play—those who want to be athletes will become athletes, those who want to be artists will become artists. We will create that opportunity,” he said.
Describing the students present at the event as the chief guests, he said the country’s future depends entirely on them. He expressed hope that future MPs, ministers, and even prime ministers and presidents will emerge from among today’s youth.
