Old airport to stay: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday ruled out the possibility of closing down the old airport in Tejgaon, saying that it belongs to Bangladesh Air Force and must remain in their possession.

The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed VVIP complex at Tejgaon Airport.

She, however, asked the air force to remain vigilant so that the airport cannot be grabbed by others.

“I want to warn you. Many people have their greedy eyes on it, Air Force should use it... it must not be grabbed by others."

The premier put emphasis on the use of the airport, saying flights should be operated from there as well.

The PM visited different sections of the newly constructed VVIP complex of the airport.

GOVT'S MASTER PLAN TO DEVELOP SOUTHERN REGION

The prime minister yesterday also said the government has a master plan to develop the southern region of the country.

 “This region has been neglected... We aim to create jobs here. We have a master plan for this region,” she said.

The premier was addressing a rally at Kalapara Power Plant after opening a rehabilitation centre, "Swapner Thikana", and newly constructed houses for people affected in the project area. She also gave away keys and registration papers among the 130 rehabilitated families.

She said a naval base and a cantonment are being constructed in this area, and there will be an air base in the southern part of the country.

The PM mentioned a site has been selected in the region for setting up ship-building and recycling yards to accelerate employment and economic activities.

The premier added that the government is looking for another island in the area to construct a second nuclear power plant.

“We're conducting a feasibility study. The people of the Atomic Energy Commission are looking into that. We'll construct the second nuclear power plant in the southern part of the country,” she said.

The prime minister also inaugurated 16 development projects in different areas of Patuakhali district.