State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, MP, today reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining the ongoing development momentum in Nandail upazila and municipality, saying efforts are underway to ensure the benefits of development reach every corner of the area.
"The government is determined to transform Nandail into a modern upazila free from terrorism, extortion and drugs. We are working to ensure that the touch of development reaches every part of Nandail," he told a rally in Nandail as the chief guest.
Zero-tolerance policy against extortion and terrorism
Yasser Khan said that after being elected by the people, his administration adopted a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and terrorism in Nandail. "Terrorist groups have been eliminated from the area. We are also maintaining a tough stance against drugs, and necessary laws and reforms have already been enacted in parliament to combat the menace," he added.
Extensive infrastructure works underway
Highlighting the government's development initiatives, the state minister said extensive infrastructure works are underway in Nandail and the greater Mymensingh region. He said brick soling has already been completed on 146 roads, grants have been provided to 18 mosques, and renovation work at five madrasas has been finished. Allocation and tender processes are also underway for the construction of new academic buildings at three educational institutions, including Chandipasha Women's College.
He added that development works involving 120 roads and 11 bridges and culverts are being implemented, while Tk 75 lakh has been allocated for the municipality.
Improvements in the health sector
Referring to improvements in the health sector, Yasser Khan said approval has been secured to upgrade the 50-bed Nandail Hospital to a 101-bed facility. The process of establishing a new hospital at Char Betagair has also begun to improve healthcare services for local residents.
Commitment to education and power supply
The state minister said development activities across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have also reached Nandail. He said the government is working to improve people's lives through Family Cards, Farmer Cards and Health Cards.
He added that the addition of seven megawatts of electricity to the national grid has reduced the severity of load shedding, and the government is implementing long-term plans to ensure a sustainable solution to the power situation.
Call for upholding public confidence
Calling on party leaders and activists to uphold public confidence, he warned that anyone involved in activities that undermine people's trust would face legal action. "Do not lobby on behalf of any criminal," he told party workers.
Inaugurations and future plans
Earlier in the day, the state minister inaugurated a newly constructed academic building at Udang Madhupur Government Primary School in Nandail. Speaking at the function, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving the highest priority to education, and the impact of that commitment is now visible in Nandail.
Later in the evening, Yasser Khan attended the inaugural introductory meeting of the Mymensingh Development Authority. Addressing the programme, he said Mymensingh should be transformed into a modern and liveable city. He expressed hope that the Mymensingh Development Authority would be able to develop the city into one even more attractive than Rajshahi within the next five years.
The state minister said the authority also plans to build a modern township on the opposite bank of the Brahmaputra River, which, he hoped, would become one of the country's most beautiful urban areas. He urged the authority to take effective measures to ease traffic congestion in the city, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has entrusted it with expediting development work in Mymensingh.
