Election 2008

Ctg candidates pledge to develop port city

7 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Ctg

Candidates from different political parties have pledged to work for development of the port city as commercial capital of the country in true sense if they win the upcoming parliamentary election. They were addressing a dialogue organised by Chittagong Division Development Parishad at Chittagong Press Club on Saturday when Parishad leaders placed 45-point demand including development of the port city as commercial capital, establishment of World Trade Centre and renovation of Chaktai canal to solve waterlogging. Speakers at the dialogue urged effective coordination among different vital government organizations like Chittagong City Corporation, Chittagong Development Authority, Water and Sewerage Authority and Power Development Board. BNP candidate Abdullah Al Noman of Chittagong-9 (Double Mooring) said Chittagong was declared as commercial capital of the country during the tenure of BNP government. All the reasonable demands would be met if his party is voted to power again, the former minister said. Awami League (AL) candidate Abdus Salam said if elected, his party would do everything necessary for real development of Chittagong. “If elected, I will take special plans for developing Chittagong as real commercial capital. A riverside city would be developed near the Karnaphuli, where all facilities for civic life including education, health and recreation will be available,” said industrialist Shamsul Alam, BNP nominee for Chittagong-8 (Kotwali) constituency. Eminent scientist Prof Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam urged the politicians to keep in mind their pledges after being elected. Parishad President Mohammad Kalimullah chaired the dialogue where civil society representative Dr Jinobodhi, Jatiya Party leaders Mazharul Hoque Shah, women leader Nilufar Momen, panel mayor Rekha Alam Chowdhury and sports personality Didarul Alam Chowdhury spoke, among others.