CHATTOGRAM, Dec 19, 2023 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Bangladesh would advance if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in power.
 
"There is no alternative to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to move the country forward. It is only Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina who can ignore the pressure of big states," he said.
 
The minister was inaugurating the activities of goods management and transportation towards other sea ports and destinations of Bangladesh from Chattogram Port organised by Inland Vessel Owners' Association of Chittagong (IVOAC) at a hotel in the city.
 
Dr Hasan said Bangladesh has constructed the mega project Padma Bridge under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina showing thumbs down to the World Bank.
 
He said the premier has taken various plans for overall development of the country. An initiative has been taken to construct Bay Terminal in Chattogram, he said.
 
The minister said the bay terminal will accommodate vessels of 12 meter draft during normal hours and with a little dressing it can accommodate vessels of 14 meters draft during high tide.

"Besides, a port has been constructed in Matarbari to accommodate ships of 18 meters draft. From these two places, small cargo ships will be transported to Payra, Mongla and the industries that are located around Dhaka city. Now as it is done from Chattogram port," he added.
 
 Dr Hasan said Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina has taken the master plan not only focusing on Chattogram or Bangladesh, but keeping in mind the entire region.
 
Dr Hasan urged all to go to voting centers to cast their franchise rights. He also sought vote in favour of 'Boat', the electoral symbol of Awami League.
 
Hazi Md Selim, MP, and AL Chattogram city unit general secretary AJM Nasir Uddin addressed the programme as special guests with association president Shafiq Ahmed in the chair.
 
Water Transport Cargo Agents Association president Belayet Hossain, its general secretary Amal Chandra Das, IVOAC acting general secretary Md Azizur Rahman, its leaders Narwattamm Saha Polash, Kazi Manirul Islam and Khaled Mahmud, among others, addressed it.