Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Nalian, a remote coastal town in Dakop upazila, Khulna, on Thursday morning (October 22) before departing for Mongla by boat to inspect key southern development projects.
The Prime Minister’s helicopter landed at Nalian Secondary School ground at 10:28 am. From there, he walked to the Nalian Coast Guard pontoon and departed for Mongla by sea at 10:48 am.
During his brief stay, Prime Minister Rahman exchanged greetings and shook hands with hundreds of local residents gathered near Nalian Bazar. His arrival sparked widespread enthusiasm in the coastal community, which faces persistent challenges including river erosion, drinking water shortages, and poor transport infrastructure.
He was accompanied by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, local MPs, Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun, Deputy Commissioner Miz Hurre Jannat, and senior officials.
Heightened security was maintained throughout the visit, with joint deployments from the Police, Navy, Coast Guard, and President’s Guard Regiment (PGR). To facilitate the movement, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) quickly paved a one-kilometer road connecting Nalian Bazar to the Coast Guard pontoon and set up a helipad on the school grounds.
Prior to arriving in Nalian, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial inspection of Hiron Point and adjacent areas in the Sundarbans by helicopter.
In Mongla, Prime Minister Rahman is scheduled to attend official meetings, visit the Mongla Port jetty, and inspect the proposed Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) economic zone. He is also expected to assess potential sites for a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
Local business leaders and residents expressed optimism that the expansion of Mongla Port, the new economic zone, and industrial infrastructure will boost investment and create job opportunities across the southern region. At the same time, Nalian residents voiced hope that the visit would accelerate long-term solutions for riverbank protection, safe drinking water, and durable infrastructure.
