Among the series of inaugurations of the major infrastructure projects across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated 24 projects and laid foundation stones for 5 in Khulna on November 13, 2023. A grand ceremony was held at the Khulna Circuit House grounds, where the Prime Minister ushered in a new era for the region with a vision of progress.
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After many ups and downs and facing many adversities, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, took the lead of the country, especially since she got the opportunity to run the country continuously for the past 15 years, the country has achieved unprecedented progress. The bottomless basket once named by US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is a role model for development in the world today during his lifetime.
Projects in Khulna Detail: A Wave of Development in Khulna
Several projects are set to be inaugurated, spanning various departments. Projects in Khulna include projects within the Public Works Department, the Sundarbans West Forest Department, the Education Engineering Directorate, and the Local Government Engineering Directorate (LGED), among others. Notably, the Public Works Department alone contributes 8 projects to this initiative. The Sundarbans West Forest Division project encompasses the expansion of eco-friendly tourism facilities in the Sundarbans, including the development of the Shekhertech Ecotourism Center. Additionally, the Education Engineering Directorate is involved in 11 projects, while the LGED projects account for 3, and the Department of Agricultural Extension contributes 1 project to the roster.
Foundation Stone Laid Project
The foundation stones of the 5 projects that have been laid are:
- Construction of Sanitary Landfill, Mathabhanga under Khulna City Corporation’s Waste Management Development Project
- Construction of 5-story academic and 4-story administrative and workshop buildings of Dighlia Technical School and College under the project titled ‘Establishment of 329 Technical Schools and Colleges at Upazila Level (2nd Phase)’
- Construction of 748.90-meter bridge over Kurulia River on 2300 meter chainage on GC road under Paikgacha Upazila GC-Laskar Bazar-Bintala Bazar-Bgularchar Bazar-Shurikhali Bazar-Bhandarpol Bazar-Gilabari under the project titled Construction of Important Bridges on Rural Roads (1st Revised)
- Akalima Khatun Textile Vocational Institute Establishment Project at Paikgacha and
- Kaliganj Basantpur river port in Satkhira
Projects in Khulna Benefits
The Public Works Department, a pivotal player, is orchestrating eight projects that promise to redefine Khulna’s landscape. The establishment of a Genocide-torture archive and museum building on South Central Road commemorates historical significance, fostering remembrance and education. Simultaneously, the construction of a technical training center in Paikgacha upazila underscores a commitment to skill development, enhancing the employability of local residents. The Sundarbans West Forest Division’s venture into expanding eco-friendly tourism facilities in the Sundarbans exemplifies a harmonious blend of environmental conservation and economic growth. The Shekhertech Ecotourism Center not only adds to the region’s allure but also promotes sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of the delicate ecosystem.
The Directorate of Education and Engineering’s comprehensive initiatives, comprising eleven projects, focus on elevating educational infrastructure. From the construction of academic and administrative buildings for technical schools and colleges to the enhancement of existing educational institutions like Khulna Collegiate School and Government LBK Degree Women’s College, these projects promise to nurture the intellectual capital of Khulna. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is steering transformative projects, such as the construction of a PC girder bridge over the Bhadra river and crucial road development endeavors in Khulna city. These initiatives are poised to alleviate transportation bottlenecks, enhance connectivity, and contribute to overall urban development.
The Department of Agricultural Extension’s newly constructed 6-story office building at Daulatpur symbolizes the integration of modern facilities into administrative structures, fostering efficiency and functionality. The foundation stone-laid projects, ranging from waste management to the establishment of educational institutions like Dighlia Technical School and College, showcase a forward-looking approach. These initiatives not only address current needs but also anticipate future requirements, positioning Khulna as a hub of sustainable development.
Khulna’s wave of development is multifaceted, encompassing education, infrastructure, tourism, and environmental conservation. The collective impact of these projects in Khulna is poised to elevate the quality of life, economic prospects, and overall well-being of the region’s residents, marking a significant stride toward progress and prosperity.
Series of Mega-Projects Inaugurated by Sheikh Hasina
A list of Mega-Projects Inaugurated by Sheikh Hasina is discussed below;
Under the effective leadership of Sheikh Hasina, significant strides have been made in the country’s infrastructure over the recent years. The government, under her guidance, has embarked on numerous large-scale projects aimed at fostering economic development and transforming Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous nation. This commitment to modernizing infrastructure has garnered praise not only domestically but also internationally. The swift progress of various ongoing mega projects is reshaping the economic landscape of Bangladesh.
In economic theory, infrastructure is considered the foundation for a country’s development, serving as a crucial platform. The advancement of a nation’s economy relies heavily on the quality and extent of its infrastructure. Beyond merely ensuring economic growth, well-developed infrastructure acts as a catalyst, expediting the overall development process. According to this perspective, Bangladesh has demonstrated an exceptional position in the past. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure, has capitalized on her continuous leadership to undertake numerous mega projects, effectively positioning Bangladesh’s infrastructure on par with that of developed nations.