The proposed Bhanga-Kuakata highway development project is slated for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council on November 3, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced on Friday. The minister expressed optimism that once the project secures formal approval, the construction work is expected to be completed within a maximum timeframe of two to three years, marking a transformative milestone for the region.
Minister Rashiduzzaman shared these details while speaking to reporters at the inauguration of a two-day Tourism Carnival held at the Kuakata tourist hub on Friday afternoon. Highlighting the immense potential of the coastal destination, he emphasized that the government is actively seeking to foster an environment conducive to international investment. He noted that foreign diplomats and stakeholders have frequently expressed interest in key Bangladeshi tourism hotspots, identifying Kuakata, Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, Sylhet, and Sajek as top-tier investment destinations.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to regional growth, the tourism minister pledged to provide comprehensive support to potential investors. He underscored that Kuakata stands as one of the country's most compelling attractions following Cox’s Bazar, and assured that strategic measures will be implemented to ensure its sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement.
State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki, who also attended the event, explained that the current government is prioritizing a master-planned approach to national development to minimize project delays. He confirmed that the administration intends to engage international planners to revitalize and restructure Kuakata according to global standards.
The discussion meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Md. Shamimuzzaman. Other notable speakers included Member of Parliament for Patuakhali-4 ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Member of Parliament for reserved women seats Sultana Jasmine, Divisional Commissioner of Barishal Khalil Ahmed, and district administrators Akon Quddusur Rahman and Snehangshu Sarkar Kutri. The event was also attended by Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Chowdhury Ashraful Karim, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Abu Yusuf, and various local political leaders.
