Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government is working relentlessly to reduce public sufferings by implementing development projects aimed at improving transport and urban infrastructures across the country. Speaking as the chief guest at a joint meeting with officials of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and Sylhet City Corporation at the Sylhet Circuit House, the minister said a new road project from Ambarkhana to Lakkatura has been undertaken to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion, describing it as a “blessing” for the people of Sylhet.
After reviewing the progress of the road construction works, Muktadir stressed the need to complete the ongoing projects and major road development works on schedule to minimize public inconvenience. He instructed the concerned officials to expedite implementation in accordance with the approved plans. The minister said Sylhet City Corporation comprises 42 wards, and several development projects are being implemented to ensure their overall development.
He expressed hope that the projects would transform Sylhet into a more modern, clean and well-organized city while helping resolve long-standing problems related to water logging and road infrastructure. Highlighting the importance of sustainable urban drainage, the minister said the city’s natural streams must be preserved to address water logging. He underscored the need for regular excavation and maintenance of canals to ensure uninterrupted water flow and reduce flooding during the monsoon.
"A permanent solution to water logging is possible only through proper planning that ensures the natural flow of water from its sources to the rivers," he said. The meeting was attended by Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, Sylhet Zila Parishad Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurer Zaman Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Reza Rafin Sarkar, officials of the Roads and Highways Department and journalists.
Later, briefing reporters, the minister said several road development projects are currently underway in Sylhet. He said the Sylhet-Fenchuganj-Moulvibazar road will be widened to improve connectivity. The government has also planned to construct an alternative road linking Sylhet Osmani International Airport with Lakkatura and another stretch from Lakkatura to the TB Gate, aiming to improve traffic flow and strengthen the city’s transport network.
