PM launches waterlogging mitigation project in Sylhet, to open river re-excavation work
He is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day before returning to Dhaka in the evening
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (2 May) inaugurated a project to develop both banks of the Surma River at Chandni Ghat in Sylhet, including beautification and flood protection infrastructure.
He laid the foundation stone of the project at around 11am.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury were present at the programme, reports UNB.
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The prime minister's wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, also attended the event.
Following the inauguration, officials briefed the prime minister on different aspects of the project. He is addressing a civic reception there at the time of filing this report.
Earlier, as Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet's at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight with his wife, on his first official visit to the divisional city since assuming office, the prime minister headed straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), where he offered prayers.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Kaiyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Mashiur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam and other senior officials received the prime minister at the airport upon arrival.
During his day-long visit, the prime minister was scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a Sylhet City Corporation project at Chandni Ghat aimed at easing waterlogging in the city and address a civic gathering there.
At noon, he will inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur union under Sylhet Sadar upazila.
After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, Tarique will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports 2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3pm.
He is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day before returning to Dhaka in the evening.
Security arrangements have been strengthened around the prime minister's visit. In addition to law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies are working in the field. Check posts, surveillance procedures and other security measures are being ensured at various important areas as per protocol.
The main roads, important intersections and establishments of Sylhet city have been reorganised around the visit. Sylhet has been given a sparkling look at once, including road repairs, beautifying tree plantations on road dividers, and fresh paint.
The Sylhet City Corporation has also removed unnecessary banners and festoons from the city.
This is Tarique's first visit to Sylhet as the prime minister. He last visited the city on 21 January during the campaign for the 13th parliamentary elections.
Earlier in the morning, the prime minister left his Gulshan residence for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 8:25am.
