The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Chittagong

Newly appointed Shipping Minister Dr. Afsarul Amin yesterday sought sincere and effective cooperation from all in carrying out the already initiated infrastructural change programme of the Chittagong Port and expressed his determination to upgrade the port to international standard.

Talking to journalists at VIP lounge of Shah Amanat International Airport soon after landing from a private flight on his maiden visit to the home city as a minister, he said efforts would continue with cooperation from all to elevate the services and standard of the country's prime seaport.

Referring to the Awami League's election manifesto and Chittagong AL's old stand in favor of a deep-seaport, Dr. Afsarul Amin said, " Establishment of a deep-seaport would not only usher in a new vista of socio-economic development for Chittagong, but for the whole nation".

Soon after Dr. Afsarul Amin landed at the airport, Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Alhaj ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, senior officials of local administration including Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Hossain Jamil, chairman of Chittagong Port Authority Commodore RU Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Ashraf Shamim welcomed the new minister by presenting him bouquets.

Replying to a question on the development of Chittagong, the Minister said the government of Sheikh Hasina was pledged bound to the real development of the port city.

He said the people of Chittagong would not need to be worried on the question of development of the region as Jananetri and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a mammoth pre-election public meeting at Laldighi Maidan announced that she has taken the responsibility of development of Chittagong in her own hands.

"Apart from the new government's future efforts, mayor of Chittagong Alhaj A B M Mohiuddin Chowdhury has proved his sincere commitment and is still working relentlessly for the uplift of the port city under the aegis of the city corporation" he said.