Sub-District Correspondent: Dulal Miah
Alhaj Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, a distinguished son of the district and a prominent businessman, dreams of developing Brahmanbaria as one of Bangladesh’s most modern, planned, industrially advanced and economically self-reliant districts. He has said that the glory of Brahmanbaria lies not only in its past history but also in its capacity to build the future.
Presenting his thoughts, he said that this district of nearly 33 lakh people is not merely an administrative area; it is a vast human resource and a promising economic market. Connectivity with Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet, and the border link with the Indian state of Tripura have placed this district in a special strategic position. Despite the presence of Ashuganj river port, fertiliser factories, power plants, Titas-Salda-Meghna gas fields, Akhaura land port and rail junction, he believes the district has not been able to utilise its true economic potential due to the lack of planned development.
Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan proposed developing Ashuganj as an international trade and logistics hub for the eastern region of Bangladesh. He mentioned that modern container terminals, international-standard warehouses, cold storage, agricultural product processing centres, an integrated rail and waterway cargo transport system, truck terminals and modern logistics parks could be established there.
He said, “Ashuganj must be established not merely as a river port but as an important economic gateway for the eastern region of Bangladesh.” Alongside this, he proposed establishing a large economic zone in the Tin Lakhpir area. He spoke of developing industries such as ready-made garments, food processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and fisheries-based industries, light engineering, electronics and renewable energy there. He believes this will create employment for thousands of people.
To remove the current unplanned urbanisation, traffic congestion, waterlogging and limitations of civic amenities in Brahmanbaria town, he said a long-term master plan is needed. He also proposed examining the feasibility of building a planned new city on the eastern side of the town under government initiative while preserving the heritage of the old town. He mentioned that the new city would have modern hospitals, universities, colleges, shopping and business centres, wide roads, parks, lakes and green areas.
Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan also emphasised developing Akhaura land port and rail junction as a gateway for international trade. He proposed modernisation of the land port, international-standard customs and immigration facilities, warehouses, modern truck terminals and increasing the capacity for cargo transport by rail.
Regarding energy resources, he said that the Titas, Salda and Meghna gas fields are important resources of Brahmanbaria. These resources must be utilised for modernisation of gas-based industries, efficient use of energy, uninterrupted energy supply, and initiatives for solar power and energy production from waste. He clearly stated, “The gas of Brahmanbaria is the rightful entitlement of the people of Brahmanbaria. The government must pay special attention so that the people of this district are not deprived of gas facilities.”
In the education and health sectors, he emphasised modernisation of Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, examining the feasibility of establishing a medical college, new schools and colleges, technical training institutes, IT and freelancing centres, and employment and entrepreneurship development for women. To keep the youth free from drugs, he proposed playgrounds in every union, mini stadiums at the upazila level, sports academies and the organisation of regular sports competitions.
For the development of the communication system, he proposed upgrading the Dhaka-Sylhet corridor to six lanes, upgrading the Ashuganj river port–Sarail–Dharkhar–Akhaura land port road to four lanes, constructing bypasses and ring roads to ease traffic congestion in the town, and establishing direct connections of industrial areas with ports and railways.
Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan reiterated the proposal to establish a new administrative division comprising the three districts of Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj and Habiganj. He said this proposal has been made considering the administrative facilities and economic development of this region of nearly 89 lakh people.
He stated very clearly that there is no personal interest behind this effort. His family is economically self-reliant and socially established. He is not working for the people out of any desire for positions or titles. As a conscious citizen, he has taken this initiative from the right to work for the welfare of his birthplace and people.
Regarding criticism, he said, “I am not above mistakes. If there is any mistake in any of my plans, criticise it with data and information. I will accept it with respect. But how reasonable is personal attack and indecent comments without verifying the information?”
He further said, “If good initiatives are not encouraged in a society, if worthy people are not evaluated, how will new leadership and talented people develop in the days to come?”
Presenting his dream, Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan said, “I want that in the days to come a young man of Brahmanbaria finds employment in his own district. That a mother is not forced to rush to a distant city for advanced medical treatment. That a student gets the opportunity of modern education. That our children grow up in a safe environment.”
He said, “Let Brahmanbaria not be known only for gas, fertiliser factories or the river port; let it be known for industry, investment, education, health and modern urbanisation.”
Finally he said, “Brahmanbaria is my pride. Brahmanbaria is my love. The improved life and safe future of the people of this district is the main inspiration of my thoughts and efforts. Come, rising above party, opinion and personal differences, let us work together for the development of our beloved Brahmanbaria.”
News Published By:
Bangladesh Diary
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