Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Public Works to allot plots and apartments for rehabilitation of the people affected by the Hatirjheel project.
She made the directive while delivering her speech after inaugurating the much-hyped Hatirjheel-Begunbari integrated development scheme in the capital.
Hasina also termed the development scheme as a New Year gift for the Dhaka city dwellers.
She also appreciated the country's ability to materialise such a mega scheme without any foreign aid saying that successful completion of this scheme demonstrates Bangladesh's capability.
Indicating the media criticism, the premier said that their criticism had increased the government pressure for completion of the scheme.
Criticism is good for rectifying our mistakes but it should not frustrate our good initiatives, she said.
Hasina alleged that some vested quarters had planned to develop this area and convert it into a housing plot during the tenure of BNP in 1991-1996.
“But we always wanted to preserve the canal and water land of this area,” she said.
The prime minister expressed her hope that this area will turn into a breathing spot for the city dwellers.
After the inauguration, a boat race was held in the canal and hundreds of ducks were released to the canal.
Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, chiefs of three services and advisers to the prime minister were present among others at the inaugural ceremony.
Source:The Daily Star
