PM’s Feni Visit: Residents’ Key Demands and Expectations

Md. Omar Faruque, Feni

Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman will visit Feni tomorrow. He will open the Muhuri and Kahua flood control embankment and irrigation project, which costs about Tk 1,500 crore. Later in Fulgazi, he will plant trees and join the power supply to the national grid from a solar project on a government building roof. He will also join the Family Card and Farmer Card events and a programme to help people who work at religious institutions.

His visit has brought the district’s development hopes back into talk. The people of Feni want to place many long pending demands before the Prime Minister. These cover education, health, transport, flood control and jobs. The most important demands are a government medical college, a public university, and a science and technology university in Feni.

Government and party sources say the Prime Minister will open the first phase of the Muhuri Kahua flood control, drainage and irrigation project in Parshuram, Feni. The project costs Tk 1,542 crore. Local people hope it will give them lasting safety from floods and river erosion.

The medical college is the most talked about demand

People have wanted a government medical college in Feni for a long time. Media reports say Mr. Tarique Rahman promised to set up one at a public rally in Feni earlier this year. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister’s Office told the authorities to study whether a government medical college is possible in Feni and to take the needed administrative steps.

So the demand is no longer only a local hope, because it has now entered the administrative process. Members of Parliament from Feni have also raised the demand in the National Parliament many times. Local people now wait to see the first real step.

Demand for a university and technology education

The demand for a public university and a science and technology university in Feni has grown strong. Local public representatives and many citizen groups say a large number of students from the district must go to Dhaka, Chattogram and other places for higher studies every year. A big higher education institution in Feni would give students more chances. It could also open new areas for research, technology education and the local economy.

Ahead of the visit, Feni 1 constituency Member of Parliament Mr. Rafiqul Alam Mojnu said he would ask for a public university and a science and technology university in Feni. The demand to upgrade Feni Sadar Hospital to 500 beds has also come up. Local people see this as another key hope for the district.

If the government raises the capacity of the public hospital, people from Feni and nearby districts may need to travel to Chattogram or Dhaka for good treatment less often. Along with a medical college, people also want a modern hospital, special treatment units and enough posts for doctors and nurses. They want better diagnostic facilities too.

A lasting fix for floods and river erosion

One of the biggest demands of the people of Feni is lasting safety from floods and river erosion. This demand grew stronger after the deadly flood of 2024. The citizen platform “Amra Feniwasi” has also raised several demands. These include building strong embankments, rebuilding the Musapur Closure, and restoring canals and water bodies.

People want the Musapur Closure rebuilt, river erosion stopped and waterlogging solved under a long term plan. They also hope authorities will stop the grabbing and filling of canals and rivers in Feni and nearby upazilas. This would bring back the natural paths for water to drain.

Focus on transport

People demand a flyover or another effective option at Lalpol to reduce the old traffic jams and accidents there. They also want better roads and modern traffic control at key intersections. The 11 point demand of a citizen group also includes a flyover at Lalpol.

People are also talking about reopening the Feni Bilonia railway line and adding more seats for Feni passengers on intercity trains. They want better road links inside the district as well.

Hopes for jobs and industry

Jobs for the young people of Feni are another big hope. People demand new industries, small and medium businesses, IT and technology based jobs, and more skill training. A joint plan for higher education, technical education and industry could create new work places for local youth.

Feni Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mohammad Mahbubul Karim said preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit are almost done. He said the district administration has arranged the highest level of security. Superintendent of Police Mr. Protyush Kumar Majumder said law enforcement forces are fully ready. He said the police have spread a wide security net across the district.

In all, the people of Feni now list education, health, transport, flood control, jobs and infrastructure among their hopes. The demand for a medical college and universities is long standing. The lasting fix for floods and river erosion is also closely tied to people’s lives and livelihoods.

The main hope of the people of Feni now is that these demands do not stay limited to talk around the visit. They want a clear development plan with priorities, feasibility studies, funding and time limits for the work.