Residents from various professions formed a human chain and protest rally at the Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner's Office on Monday with backing the under-construction Sugandha-Kalatoli beach road. They accused a vested group of spreading propaganda to block the project.
Speakers said no conspiracy would be allowed to derail this road and calling it vital for the tourist city's development and for easing traffic congestion.
Journalist Forum President Muhammad Nurul Islam said Cox's Bazar's development cannot be stopped also urging a balanced approach between progress and environment while opposing baseless propaganda.
Tourism entrepreneur Abdu Shukkur said the road would ease tourist movement, cut congestion and boost tourism-related business.
Bar Association General Secretary Akhtar Uddin Helali said questioning a project is fair but obstructing it through unverified propaganda is unacceptable. Journalist Union President Nurul Islam Helali said long-delayed infrastructure work must now prioritise public interest.
Speakers alleged a vested interest group was misleading the public about the road, insisting it would bring order to traffic in the Sugandha-Kalatoli beach area and enhance tourism infrastructure.
The rally drew hoteliers, businessmen, journalists, lawyers, and civic leaders including Mukim Khan, Anwar Kamal, Sarwar Roman, Ajmal Huda and others representing various trade bodies.
After the rally, organisers submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister via the Deputy Commissioner, demanding faster development for Cox's Bazar and action against those spreading disinformation.
Speakers concluded that Cox's Bazar's development must not be held hostage to any individual or group's interests, affirming that residents stand united behind public-interest projects.
