PM to visit Chandpur today

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chandpur today (May 16) on a daylong official tour, during which he will inaugurate several major development initiatives aimed at improving the district’s irrigation, social welfare and infrastructure sectors.

According to the scheduled itinerary, the prime minister will travel by road from Dhaka and participate in a series of public and administrative programmes throughout the day.

The visit has sparked heightened enthusiasm across the district, with local authorities and BNP leaders completing extensive preparations ahead of his arrival.

One of the key highlights of the visit will be the launch of canal re-excavation projects designed to strengthen agriculture and water management in the riverine region. At around 11:00am, the premier is expected to inaugurate the re-excavation of Khordakhal near Waruk Bazar in Shahrashti upazila. Later in the afternoon, he is scheduled to formally open the Bishwakhal re-excavation project at Ghosher Hat in Kumardugi village under Chandpur Sadar upazila.

Officials believe the projects will play a significant role in boosting irrigation facilities, easing waterlogging and improving the livelihoods of farming communities across the region.

Following a brief recess at the Circuit House, the prime minister will attend the day’s main public programme at Chandpur Government College ground. There, he will inaugurate the government’s “Family Card” initiative aimed at supporting low-income and underprivileged families. He is also expected to address a public rally attended by local residents, political leaders and party activists.

Local leaders say several long-standing development demands will be placed before the prime minister during the visit, including the establishment of a special economic zone and EPZ in Chandpur, construction of a permanent river protection embankment from Matlab to Haimchar, and the setting up of a medical college and a science and technology university in the district.

The premier is also scheduled to attend an organisational meeting of the district BNP at Chandpur Club in the evening before returning to Dhaka later in the day.

District administration officials said comprehensive security measures have been put in place across Chandpur and surrounding areas to ensure the smooth execution of the high-profile visit.