FM's 'move' to change spot slated in Khulna

The foreign minister's desire for setting up the proposed deep sea port at Kutubdia in Chittagong instead of Akram Point in Khulna and seeking financial assistance from Japan is attempt to create discrimination between south-western region and the rest of the country, particularly Chittagong, GKDCAC secretary general Shaikh Ashrafuzzaman alleged at a press conference held at at Khulna Press Club yesterday.

The GKDCAC leader gave the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry of ports and shipping a 15-day deadline to give a 'satisfactory explanation' why the question of construction of deep sea port at Akram point was not raised during talks between Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Morshed Khan. Taro Aso left Dhaka on Tuesday after a day's visit.

"Otherwise, all members of the parliamentary committee from Khulna division including City Mayor Shaikh Tayebur Rahman and Khulna City Awami League President Talukder Abdul Khaleque MP will also face public wrath", Ashrafuzzaman said in his written statement at the press conference.

He said the foreign minister is favouring setting up of a deep sea port at 'less important Kutudia instead of economically viable Akram Point. He has sidetracked greater national interest. His attitude has really stunned the people of south-western region of the country, Ashrafuzzaman.

The press conference was attended by, among others, Dainik Purbanchal Editor Liaquat Ali, president of Khulna Nagorik Committee Dr. Kudrat-e-Khuda, chairperson of Khulna Citizens' Forum Shaikh Abdul Kayum, leader of Khulna Newsprint Rakkha Committee Nizamur Rahman Lalu and Rafiqul Islam Khokon, director of Rupantar, an NGO.

Speaking at the press conference, Liaquat Ali regretted the foreign minister's plea for construction of the proposed deep sea port at Kutubdia, avoiding the economic viability of such a vital installation at Akram Point.

He claimed that tender papers were prepared with a plan for construction of the port at Akram Point on the basis of a feasibility study. The feasibility study favoured Akram Point for the port.

Liaquat Ali called up the people in south-western region irrespective of political affiliation to unite to realise their rights.

Other leaders at the press conference warned that any more neglect to south-western region would be resisted. They also criticised what they called the inactive role of ruling party lawmakers from Khulna as regards development of the region.