None of 16 polls pledges fulfilled in Khulna

She was elected from Khulna-2 in the last national election held on October 1, 2001. The seat however fell vacant as Khaleda Zia resigned from Khulna-2 (Khulna Ssadar Sonadanga thana) seat.

Later, Ali Asgar Lobi was elected from this seat in a by-election.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Her election commitments included establishment of Khanjahan Ali airport, modernisation of Mongla Port, creation of WASA in Khulna city and setting up of a water treatment plant, pipeline gas supply to the area, setting up of an IT (information technology village in Khulna city, elevation of Khulna Medical College Hospital to a 500-bed hospital, setting up of an international tourist centre, establishment of a cadet college, nationalisation of two high schools, development of the divisional women's complex, construction of a modern park, construction of residential buildings for workers of jute mills, allocation of funds for development of communication, uninterrupted power supply through setting up of a power plant and steps to improve of living of slum people in the city.

However, Khulna city Mayor Shaikh tayebur Rahman claims that some of Khaleda Zia's election commitments have been fulfilled.

He said work on setting up of a water treatment plant is progressing. Work is also underway to supply gas through pipeline within a year, the Mayor said.

Secretary General of Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee Shaikh Ashrafuzzaman said many mills and industries have been closed in Khulna during last four years' rule of four-party alliance government headed by Begum Khaleda Zia. Many others are on verge of closure.

Shaikh Ashrafuzzaman further claimed that there was no new investment in Khulna due to absence of infrastructure. Mongal port now exists in name as it is beset with manifold problems. Foreign ships are reluctant to come to Mongal port due to lack of facilities and rise in piracy. The port has gone in the hands of a Mafia ring , he alleged.

Trade and commerce are quite disappointing in Khulna as none of the 16 commitments have been fulfilled, he claimed while talking tot this correspondent on Thursday.

Ali Asgar Lobi MP, elected from Khulna-2 constituency in the by-election, could not be contacted to know what steps he has taken to fulfil the election commitments made by his party chief in the last election.