Govt plans domestic airport at Kuakata or Patuakhali: State Minister Nur

The government is making efforts to build an airport at either Kuakata or Patuakhali, said State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur. He said if domestic flights can be operated there, it would greatly benefit local people in terms of travel.

He made the remarks at a commemorative event organised by the Galachipa Upazila Welfare Association at the Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club on Friday afternoon.

Nurul Haque Nur said, "We are trying to build an airport at Kuakata or Patuakhali so that a domestic flight can be operated there. This will be very convenient for people."

The state minister said he has been trying to do something for expatriates since taking on the responsibility.

Noting that it is not possible to create employment for all 18 crore people of the country, he said work is underway on how to further expand the foreign employment market.

"We are also working to ensure that our expatriates can work at higher levels, not just at the lower levels," he said.

Criticising the long tenure of government officials in the same post, Nurul Haque Nur said if officials and employees remain in the same position for a long time, there is an opportunity for syndicates to form. This is why they are transferred. However, many manage to stay in the same place for five to seven years through lobbying.

In his view, no official should be kept in the same position for more than three years. This would make administrative activities more dynamic.

On corruption and irregularities in the country, he said these problems, which have persisted for a long time, cannot be eliminated overnight. However, they must be gradually reduced.