Dhaka-Sylhet road, rail links set for major upgrade: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced an ambitious plan to overhaul both road and rail connectivity between Dhaka and Sylhet, aiming to reduce travel time, ease passenger hardship and lower transportation costs for businesses.
Addressing a public rally in Sylhet, the BNP chairman described the current highway conditions as “severely poor”, noting that journeys between the two cities can take up to ten hours. He stressed that urgent upgrades were essential.
“I came here during my election campaign and said that we would lend our hand to build the Dhaka-Sylhet roads if we are voted to power,” he said. 
“The respective ministry has taken an initiative and we hope that we will be able to begin the work at the earliest time.”
The rally was held at the Sylhet City Corporation’s Nagar Bhaban premises in the Chandni Ghat area. The prime minister said that after assuming office, he consulted the relevant ministry and reviewed timelines for implementation.
However, he acknowledged obstacles, including land acquisition issues at 11 points along the route and various administrative challenges. 
“The upgrade work will be completed within two to three years,” he said, adding that once finished, travellers would no longer face such difficulties.
Emphasising the importance of rail development, Rahman warned that simply widening roads would not provide a lasting solution. 
“The more we widen the road, the more vehicles will add to the road and traffic will increase. Apart from this, cropland is also destroyed due to road expansion,” he said.

He confirmed that the government is prioritising the construction of a double railway line on the Sylhet–Dhaka route, with work expected to begin soon. 
“If the construction work is completed, we will be able to travel at a lower cost and businessmen will also be able to transport their goods more cheaply,” he added.
Health sector reform and employment plans
The prime minister also outlined plans to restructure the health sector, drawing inspiration from the UK’s National Health Service, based on his experience living there for 17 years after his 2008 exile.
He highlighted disparities between urban and rural healthcare access, noting that many rural communities remain underserved. 
To address this, the government plans to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide, 80 per cent of whom will be women, to deliver services directly to people’s homes.
“Our government is planning to appoint one lakh health workers nationwide… who will reach health services to the doorsteps of peripheral people,” he said.
In Sylhet, the government intends to expand Sylhet Medical College from a 250-bed facility to a 1,200-bed hospital. Plans are also underway to promote industrial growth, including mills, factories and the IT sector, to create employment opportunities.
Waterlogging and environmental awareness
Addressing persistent waterlogging in Sylhet, Rahman said the issue is widespread across the country and requires both infrastructure improvements and public awareness.
He urged the Sylhet City Corporation to prioritise people’s interests and called on citizens to refrain from indiscriminate disposal of polythene and plastic waste.
Nutun Kuri sports initiative
The prime minister announced a nationwide expansion of the “Nutun Kuri” initiative – originally introduced by Ziaur Rahman – through a new sports programme aimed at identifying young talent.
An estimated three million children are expected to participate, with top talented youngsters receiving recognition and opportunities to represent Bangladesh internationally.
“A two-and-a-half-month-old baby cannot walk – it needs time. Our government is only two and a half months old, but we have already begun implementing our pledges,” he said.
He also highlighted recently introduced welfare measures, including family, farmer and sports cards, as well as allowances for religious leaders.
Canal re-excavation and river projects
Earlier in the day, the prime minister inaugurated flood protection and beautification works along both banks of the Surma River.
He also launched the re-excavation of the Basia River at Kashipur Union, about seven kilometres from Sylhet city. Originally dug in 1977, the canal has lost navigability over time.
The 23-kilometre re-excavation project – part of a 40-kilometre canal – will take two dry seasons to complete and is expected to directly benefit around 80,000 farmers while supporting another 150,000 people. Crop production is projected to increase by nearly 7,000 tonnes.
Rahman noted that similar canal re-excavation projects are underway in around 60 locations nationwide to improve irrigation and rural livelihoods.
Earlier in the day, upon arrival at Osmani International Airport, the prime minister visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, offering prayers for peace and prosperity. Despite heavy rain, thousands lined the streets to welcome him.
This marks Rahman’s first visit to Sylhet since assuming office following the 12 February general election.