Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated the country’s first longest marine driveway paving ways for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the world’s largest sandy sea beach and socioeconomic development of Bangladesh’s far east region, reports BSS.
Inaugurating the 80-kilometre marine driveway along the coastal belt from Kalatali to Teknaf, the prime minister announced that the existing highway from Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar would be developed to a four-lane road considering the growing importance of Cox’s Bazar for the country’s economy.
Sheikh Hasina said the marine driveway would not only facilitate the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the picturesque Cox’s Bazar but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of the area which was long been neglected by the post 1975 rulers.
Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Qader, Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq, secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges MN Sidduque also spoke on the occasion.
Special Works Organization of Bangladesh Army under the supervision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges constructed the 5.5-meter wide marine drive 14 months ahead of the schedule.
The prime minister extended her thanks to Bangladesh Army for construction of the driveway amidst many hurdles. She recalled memories of six army personnel who died in landslides during construction of the project.
The prime minister said importance of Cox’s Bazar is very important following establishment of Bangladesh’s claim over huge sea boundary with India and Myanmar.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has a plan to develop Cox’s Bazar not only as a tourist area but also as a hub of sports, cultural activities, education and research.
