Home Minister Questions Hasina’s Public Visibility

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday afternoon, August 7, questioned the public visibility of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying, “What Hasina? Has anyone even seen her face?” He made the remark while laying the foundation stone for the new building of the 500-bed Cox’s Bazar Medical College Hospital.

Earlier, he attended the inauguration of the Residential Flat Development Project-1 of the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority. Speaking at the events, Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh could generate significant revenue by properly utilising its marine resources and seaports. He said the government was pursuing plans to unlock the potential of the country’s blue economy. He also highlighted Cox’s Bazar’s tourism potential, saying the district could contribute significantly to the national economy if its tourism resources were developed sustainably.

The minister said many areas had been declared Ecologically Critical Areas during the previous government without proper consideration. He said authorities had been instructed to review those designations through detailed surveys to facilitate tourism development where appropriate. He stressed that environmental protection must remain a priority and said tourism should not be limited to high-rise construction. He called for expanding tourism across Cox’s Bazar beach while preserving its natural environment. Salahuddin Ahmed also announced plans to establish a Marine University in Cox’s Bazar, which he said would create opportunities for marine education, research and skilled human-resource development.