Must work unitedly for people's welfare: Public Works Minister

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher has called on the concerned and interested individuals to rise above personal or political interests and work together for the welfare of the country and the people of their locality.

He made the remarks on Saturday at the induction, inauguration and annual general meeting of the newly elected executive committee of the Barura Upazila Welfare Association, Dhaka, held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) building in Kakrail, Dhaka.

As the chief guest, the minister said everyone should come together irrespective of political affiliation, opinion, religion or ethnicity to advance the Barura Upazila Welfare Association as a non-political, public welfare-oriented platform.

He said initiatives have been taken to bring around 300 roads, both major and minor, in Barura upazila under various development projects. There will be no unpaved roads in the area within the next two to three years, he said. Several important road projects have also been undertaken to improve east-west and north-south connectivity across the area.

Regarding improvements in education and healthcare, he said an initiative has been taken to establish a technical college in Barura, with a target of completing the tender process by the end of this year. At the same time, various measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in the area, including the establishment of a 101-bed hospital.

Saying that he had assumed office through the votes and prayers of the people, the minister said he was committed to regularly reporting to the public on the progress of development activities. He sought the cooperation and prayers of people from all walks of life for the overall development of Barura.

Barura Upazila Welfare Association President Md Shah Alam presided over the programme, which was attended by its General Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain.

Professor Dr Md Ruhul Amin, Abdul Haque, Manindra Kishore Majumder and Nurul Islam Milon also spoke at the event, highlighting the association's activities, progress and future plans.

Engineer Atikur Rahman and Md Abdus Samad, along with members of the executive committee and general members of the Barura Upazila Welfare Association, were also present.