PM’s Rajshahi visit to boost city development: administrator

Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator and Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Riton has expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Rajshahi will accelerate the city’s development.

Several projects are planned, including four-lane roads, improved playgrounds in 30 wards, futsal grounds and a senior citizens’ park, he said.

Riton made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inspecting the historic Madrasa ground on Sunday ahead of the prime minister’s visit.

He said the prime minister’s first visit to Rajshahi since taking office had generated enthusiasm among party leaders and residents, expressing hope that it would further accelerate the city’s development.

The planned road projects include a four-lane road from Biman Chattar to Kashiadanga and the improvement and widening of roads from Kumarpara through Barokuthi to Varendra Museum and Fire Brigade intersection. Plans also include developing playgrounds and building futsal grounds in all 30 wards, along with establishing a senior citizens’ park. Some projects are awaiting government approval, he added.

Riton said he had been working to improve urban infrastructure and public services since taking office. The long-neglected Hetemkha-Bornali road has already been repaired, while development work at mosques, madrasas and other religious institutions is ongoing.

Earlier, Rajshahi-3 MP Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milan, Rajshahi-6 MP Abu Sayeed Chand, BNP central organising secretary for the Rajshahi division Shaheen Shawkot and Riton inspected preparations, including stage construction, at Madrasa ground.

Divisional Commissioner Md Yusuf Ali, Additional Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam and other officials also visited the venue to review preparations for the prime minister’s visit.