Smart communication system is essential for building a smart nation: Mustafa Jabbar
Smart communication system is essential for building a smart nation. Revolutionary changes in the road communication system are now visible in Bangladesh. Improved communication infrastructure and modern transport services are prerequisites for sustainable socio-economic development. Various groundbreaking programs undertaken by the government to ensure an efficient transport system have brought the backward communities of the country into the mainstream of development.
The minister expressed his observations while speaking as the chief guest at the public meeting organized at Rasulpur Ferry Ghat of the upazila on the occasion of the inauguration of the ferry service on Dhanu River of Khaliajuri upazila on Monday.
Pointing out that the long-standing proverb 'Borshay Nao, Hemante Pao' (Boats in the rainy season, walks during autumn) to indicate the underdeveloped transportation of Haor region is going to be an obsolete phrase from today, the minister said, “It will be an unforgettable day today for the people of Haor region, especially Khaliajuri. This day is a unique day in the history of Khaliajuri. We have to fight for survival due to geographic features. Our days of sufferings will come to an end with the opening ferry services on the river Dhanu.” Eventuall, he added, “as a result, the economy of Haor region will be completely changed. This isolated township of Haor will be directly connected with the district headquarters. It will save money for the passengers as well as create a new market. Local economy will be strengthened. The tourism industry of Haor region will boom”. Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, the pioneer of digital technology development, said, “From 2018, we started trying to start ferry system. A new chapter in the communication system has begun in the lives of the people of Khaliajuri as the ferry has been operational from today.”
He said, we have also done the work of digital connection for the people of Haor. As a result of this, an incredible change has been initiated in the lifestyle of Haor region. He said that the backwardness of Haor region has been ended by the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We will not be left behind. Mentioning that Khaliajuri is the stronghold of the followers of Bangabandhu's ideology, he called on the people of Haor region to strengthen the hands of Sheikh Hasina to accelerate this progress of development. He said, we cannot stay behind forever. In order to move forward, we need to qualify ourselves for proper leadership. We supply 25 percent of country's paddy and 25 percent of freshwater fish from Haor areas. With the continuation of Smart Bangladesh, our change in the future world is inevitable. He appealed to all to develop boys and girls as useful human resources for a smart Bangladesh.
The Khaliajuri Upazila Chairman Rabbani Jabbar presided over the opening ceremony while, Netrakona Deputy Commissioner Anjana Khan Majlish, Khaliajuri Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ruel Sangma and Roads and Highways Directorate Netrakona Executive Engineer Shahriar Sharif Khan spoke at the event.
Rabbani Jabbar said, as Khaliajuri is a part of Haor region, various crops including paddy are cultivated here during the dry season. Due to the lack of proper infrastructure across the Dhanu River here, a proper market system has not been developed for the sale of the crops. Due to this, there is an adverse effect on the economy of this region. He mentioned that the life style of this town will change as a result of this ferry.
This upazila surrounded by water is under water for about eight months of the year. As the water recedes, the people here communicate by land from November to the end of March. However, the economy here is at a standstill due to the communication system. Transportation of goods, transportation is all done by boat.
The distance from district headquarters to Khaliajuri is about 55 km. During the dry season, small and large vehicles ply up to Rasulpur Ghat, but no vehicle plies in Khaliajuri because the Dhanu River cannot be crossed. You have to travel by car or motorcycle for 4 months of the year. There is a shortage of vehicles as the rent is increasing. It will save money for the passengers as well as create a new market. Dhanu and Surma rivers surround this upazila of 297.64 square kilometers. The trade and commerce of this place is concentrated around these rivers of Haor. This river route is connected with major river ports including Sunamganj, Sylhet, Bhairab.
Earlier, the minister unveiled the inauguration plaque of Opening of the Ferry Services. Later, the minister went to Khaliajuri Upazila Sadar via Ferry and from there to his home Krishnapur and visited the graves of his father and mother.
