No high-rise structure along Cox’s Bazar beach: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday witnessed the presentation on the master plans of three tourism parks to be developed in Cox’s Bazar district.

The master plans of the parks – Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park, Naf Tourism Park and Sabrang Tourism Park — were presented before the Prime Minister at her office.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is implementing the master plans to attract local and foreign tourists.

According to the master plans, Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park is being developed at Sonadia Island in Maheshkhali upazila, while Naf Tourism Park in Teknaf Sadar union and Sabrang Tourism Park at Sabrang union in Teknaf upazila.

The Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park is being established on 8,967 acres of land in phases in nine years. But 909 acres of land will effectively come under the planned area, while the rest will be kept as it is.

The first-phase work will be completed within two years.

The Sabrang Tourism Park is being developed on 1,047 acres of land at Sabrang union in Teknaf upazila.

The Naf Tourism Park will be developed on 271 acres of land on an island in the Naf River under Teknaf Sadar union.

Witnessing the presentation, the Prime Minister directed authorities concerned to develop the Sabrang Tourism Park as a dedicated tourist site for foreigners.

She asked for completing the development work of the Naf Tourism Park and Sabrang Tourism Park within three years.

Sheikh Hasina said the government will not allow construction of any high-rise structure along the seashore.

She stressed the need for protecting natural beauty and biodiversity in the park sites.

PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office Zuena Aziz, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and PMO Secretary Md Tofazzal Hossain Miah were present.

BEZA Executive Chairman Paban Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech at the function.

source: UNB