Cox’s Bazar, Feb 2 (V7N) — BNP-nominated candidate for Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya–Teknaf), Shahjahan Chowdhury, has promised to transform Saint Martin’s Island into an internationally recognized tourist destination through planned and sustainable development. Addressing a campaign rally at the Coral Island Saint Martin Station in Teknaf on Sunday afternoon, he assured modern jetty construction, improved healthcare, permanent potable water supply, and affordable electricity for the island residents.

A large number of local residents, along with BNP leaders and party activists, attended the rally. Shahjahan Chowdhury emphasized that the island, despite its natural beauty, remains deprived of planned development. He said a modern and safe jetty would be constructed to facilitate secure travel for both tourists and locals. Additionally, a fully-equipped medical center would ensure emergency healthcare services on the island.

Chowdhury also highlighted initiatives for youth development, including language learning centers to prepare young people for tourism-related jobs. Local rural doctors would receive training at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital to provide quality medical care on the island. Electricity supply, currently expensive, would be stabilized and made affordable.

On environmental preservation, he assured that development projects would not harm nature or biodiversity. The island would remain accessible to tourists year-round with coordinated efforts alongside the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, following BNP’s policy of sustainable development.

The rally included speeches by Teknaf Upazila BNP President Advocate Hasan Siddiqui, General Secretary Shahadat Hossain, Acting Chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad Foyzur Rahman, former chairman Nurul Amin, and other local BNP leaders. The event was chaired by Saint Martin Union BNP President Nurul Alam.

Later in a separate women’s gathering, Shahjahan Chowdhury announced programs to empower island women financially, including the introduction of family cards, production and marketing of Nakshi Kantha and handicraft-based garments, and training in sewing, crafts, and small enterprise development to enable women’s active participation in family and community economic growth.

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