The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a seminar on Saturday urged the government to come forward in protecting Kutubdia island, ringing it with green belt and permanent spurs with stones, from erosion for the sake of country's economic development.

The seminar held at the Jatiya Press Club was arranged by Kutubdia Samity, Chittagong. It was attended as special guest by country representative of IUCN Dr Ainun Nishat and member of Planning Commission AMM Nasiruddin.

Chaired by Alhajj Shafiul Alam, the seminar was addressed among others by Lt. General (retd) Harun-ar- Rashid, former adviser of the caretaker government Major General (retd) Ruhul Alam Choudhury, Bangladesh Observer editor Iqbal Sobhan Choudhury, Dr Ansarul Alam, director of Grameen Phone engr AMM Yahya and Hamidur Rahman Azad.

The key note paper was delivered by Professor Dr Mohammad Kamal Hossain of the department of forest and environment and member of syndicate of Chittagong University, Professor Dr Mohammad Zafar of the university's Institute of Marine, Science and Fisheries.

Dr Ainun Nishat observed that the Kutubdia island is full of economic potentials. To harness it, he said, a master plan should be prepared.

Nasiruddin said, the potentials of the Kutubdia island must be harnessed. For which a proper plan of action must be prepared.

Iqbal Sobhan Choudhury said, the economic contribution of the island could change the country.

Others observed that the Kutubdia island is rich in minerals, salt, fisheries and tourism. A permanent embankment should be laid around the island, a press release of the samity said.