Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labor and Employment Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Shakhawat Hossain on Saturday said that the development of marginal areas is must needed to ensure the overall progress of Bangladesh.
He made the remark on Saturday at 3:30 PM while inaugurating the newly constructed Flat Pontoon-1 at the Betua River Port in Charfassion of Bhola district.
"I am working towards improving marginal areas because without their development, the overall progress of Bangladesh cannot be achieved," said Dr. Shakhawat Hossain. "We are utilizing riverways extensively, especially in the southern region, where waterways are the primary means of transportation. Riverways not only provide cheap transportation but also facilitate the movement of goods at a lower cost."
The advisor emphasized that there should be no harassment of passengers or collection of excessive tolls at river terminals. He has directed the district commissioner to investigate the incidents of excessive toll collection at river ports.
Following the event, Dr. Shakhawat Hossain attended a discussion meeting with district and upazila administration officials as the chief guest at the Upazila Parishad conference room. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Md. Azad Jahan.
The meeting was attended by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sharmin Mithi, along with officials from various administrative departments.
Other notable attendees included Bhola Deputy Commissioner Md. Azad Jahan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Charfassion Circle) Mehedi Hasan, the advisor's Personal Secretary Md. Zahidul Islam and Assistant Personal Secretary Sajjad Nayeem.