Arable land must not be destroyed for dev: PM

Re-emphasising the need for formulating a master plan to protect arable land, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to be more cautious when undertaking development projects.

“Be careful so that arable land is not destroyed in the course of development activities,” she said.

The prime minister came up with the directive after the oath-taking ceremony of Panchagarh district council chairman at her office.

Hasina said the development of each district and upazila should be done as per their demands and requirements, and re-emphasised formulating a master plan. While formulating the plan, the environmental issue should be kept in mind, she said.The PM also said mills, factories and other establishments will have to be built while protecting the environment.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the oath-taking ceremony.

The prime minister administered the oath of office to newly-elected Panchagarh District Council Chairman Mohammad Anwar Sadat.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon, LGRD State Minister Swapan Bhattacharya, PM's Principal Secretary Md Najibur Rahman and PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan were present.

The by-election to Panchagarh District Council was held on February 28 in which Anwar Sadat was elected chairman.

The post of the chairman fell vacant following the death of former chairman Md Amanullah Bachchu on January 9 this year.