Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that creating employment is a major programme of the BNP government, emphasising the necessity of increasing both taxes and investment to drive job growth.
Speaking during an inspection of land for a proposed government general hospital in Patenga, Chattogram, at 3pm on Friday, the minister noted that the government is placing a strong emphasis on attracting domestic and foreign investment.
“We must increase taxes. At the same time, investment must be boosted. Without investment, employment will not be created in the country,” Khosru said.
Addressing the current economic situation, he stressed that increasing taxes is essential to overcome the prevailing crisis. He further mentioned that the government is working towards creating new jobs and improving the quality of education.
Regarding the health sector, the minister assured that the promises of change made to the nation before the election would be implemented. “Employment will be prioritised in the next budget. Whatever is necessary to achieve this will be done,” he added.
The proposed general hospital will be established in the Marine Drive area of the port city and will feature several specialised units. Additionally, a nursing institute and another institute for technologists will be developed to address the current shortages in these sectors.
Khosru confirmed that this project is part of the implementation of the 11-point manifesto declared for the Chattogram-11 constituency.
During the visit to the Muslimabad area, adjacent to Marine Drive and situated on the west side of BNS Ulka’s Abad Region-2, the minister inspected 14.21 acres of land acquired by the Navy, along with an additional 2.7 acres.
Chattogram Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan briefed Khosru on the land’s location, geographical environment, communication systems, surrounding infrastructure, and potential development plans.
The inspection was attended by the Commanding Officer of BNS Ulka, and senior officials from the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), District Administration, and relevant land offices. Chattogram City BNP Joint Convener Mohammad Niyaz Bhola and member Sarfraz Kader Russel were also present.
Stakeholders anticipate that the implementation of the proposed hospital will significantly ease healthcare access for the residents of Patenga and surrounding areas, while further strengthening the medical infrastructure of Chattogram city.
