M S Akash, Fatikchhari (Chattogram)

Fatikchhari is a green town in the northernmost part of Chittagong. The name Fatikchhari is derived from the name of a mountain spring or stream. The spiritual city of Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif, the natural fish breeding center of Halda River, 17 tea gardens, 4 rubber gardens and 22 km of Indian border are the history and tradition of this town.

The guerrilla attacks and massacres by the invading forces in various parts of this upazila during the great liberation war of 1971 are memorable. The people of Fatikchhari also have high expectations regarding the arrival of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on August 9.

Fatikchhari is not only one of the largest upazilas of Chittagong; it is an important township of the country due to agriculture, education, expatriate economy, trade and commerce and religious heritage. However, compared to its potential, the development of this township has not yet reached the desired level. Some long-standing real needs in terms of communication system, healthcare, administrative facilities and planned urbanization remain unfulfilled.

Recently, Fatikchhari North Upazila has been formed as part of the administrative reorganization. This is undoubtedly a positive step. However, due to the vast geographical spread and population, the demand for the formation of Fatikchhari South Upazila to ensure administrative services to the people of the southern part of Fatikchhari is equally logical.

At the same time, the demand to upgrade Azadi Bazar in the southern region and Heyako in the northern region to municipalities has also been a long-standing one. On the other hand, upgrading the Hathazari-Fatikkhari section of the Chittagong-Khagrachari regional road to four lanes is now an urgent demand of the time. Although this road plays an important role in the movement of thousands of people and goods vehicles every day, its current condition is not sufficient to meet the future needs.

Another big hope for the communication system is the introduction of regular BRTC bus service from Fatikchhari Sadar to Chittagong city. This will not only make travel easier for students, employees, businessmen and the general public, but will also reduce transportation costs and suffering.

The expectations of the people of Fatikchhari are not low in the health sector either. The 20-bed hospital in Fatikchhari Sagar has been inadequate for a long time compared to the needs. Upgrading it to a full-fledged hospital is now the demand of the hour. If improved medical services are ensured, millions of people will not have to travel to Chittagong city even for minor medical treatment.

In the past, a lament was often heard - if Fatikchhari had got a member of parliament, the government would not have got it, and if it had got a government, there would not have been an opportunity for strong representation. Many believe that the current reality has changed that situation. Therefore, people's expectations surrounding the Prime Minister's visit have naturally increased. However, development is not the favor of any individual or party; it is the just right of the people and the responsibility of the state. To realize that right, joint efforts of local public representatives, administration, political leadership and conscious civil society are required.

Alhaj Sarozar Alamgir, the elected member of parliament from Fatikchhari, said that the demands of public interest are gaining more importance around the arrival of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The head of government will be informed about the long-standing development aspirations of the people of Fatikchhari.