Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed said that with Sheikh Hasina coming to power, the country's land system has been extensively developed and digital processes have been introduced. People have benefited from the use of technology over time. Now all land-related problems can be solved sitting at home.
He made this remark while delivering his speech as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Dynamics of ongoing crisis in Chattogram hill tracts and ways forward” at BGMEA Auditorium in Chattogram on Thursday evening.
The land minister said that Chattogram is the central port of Bangladesh. Chattogram was once more important than Dhaka, due to time it has shifted towards Dhaka. Still, Sheikh Hasina gives importance to Chattogram. That is why extensive development work is going on for the sake of Chattogram's business development which is now fully visible. For the development of a city, its infrastructure needs improvement. Communication systems, flyovers, improved roads, digital land systems are also needed.
At the beginning of the programme, former CU Vice-Chancellor and CCRSBD (Chattogram Centre for Regional Studies, Bangladesh) President Prof Anwarul Azim Arif highlighted the various problems of Chattogram hill tracts. This event was attended, among others, by CU political science professor and CCRS executive director Mahfuz Parvez as the special guest, Dean of CU Law Department Abdullah Al Faruqi and various dignitaries and businessman.
The minister said, “I struggled for Chattogram even as the president of the chamber. However, Chattogram did not progress as expected. But after the assumption of Awami League to power extensive development work has been done. Port work, Bangabandhu Tunnel, Matarbari port, power plant, flyover, road, airport have been developed.
“The government is trying to fulfil the promise made to the people of Chattogram. The government is always trying to move Chattogram forward. I will tell the new generation, don't get addicted to Facebook. Run it at specified time. It is not used so much in the developed world. Time must be spent seriously,” the minister said.
“If these seminars are done more, everyone will gain knowledge and ideas. Above all, political stability is more important. We were a bit stuck due to Covid. However, due to various important decisions of the government, the damage is less than in many countries of the world,” the minister added.
He said, Awami League is a party that has been formed through long leadership and struggle, it cannot be pushed down by anyone. It is not possible to remove the government even if foreigners want. I came to power after a long movement and people's vote. It feels like giving more freedom to the opposition. Not the people, BNP is dreaming of changing the government overnight with foreigners”.
People of Bangladesh are at peace. People are in a bit of trouble due to price hike of commodities. Human suffering has increased due to Covid and Ukraine war. It has become a problem all over the world. In the future, commodity prices will come to bearable levels. It is not thinking about the next election. Sheikh Hasina always feels the sufferings of the people. All problems will be solved in future, he added
Saifuzzaman said, BNP never thought about land development. We have come and digitized the land development system. Smart Ministry, Smart City, Artificial Intelligence have been given priority with technology.
“People will vote because they love Sheikh Hasina's development, leadership and work. The nation is not stupid now. During the BNP government, thefts, robberies made people unhappy. Foreigners understand this, they cannot come to power by fooling them,” the land minister further said.
“Election period government will be formed under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. We hope we will come to power again. People want us. I will say come to the election while there is time, Awami League is still in power. Come to the polls nicely, whoever the people vote for will come to power,” he added.
He said, Chattogram Hill Tracts are our important part. We came to power and made a peace treaty. As a result of the peace agreement, peace has returned to the hills. However, some groups in the hill region are concerned about security. But we are working on digital survey. If the government comes to power in the future, whoever comes as land minister will deal with the problems that exist.
Land of the hilly region will be developed as a tourism hub of Chattogram. More seminars, workshops and various issues should be organised with these various problems. There are many opportunities ahead with Chattogram, he added.