The three-day long development fair started at Outer Stadium in the port city on Monday. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Pobon Chowdhury inaugurated the fair as chief guest. Addressing the function, Pobon Chowdhury said the government will set up a 'leather village' in port city. The BEZA has planned to set up the new leather village in Chittagong.We want to change the Chittagong by continuous development process. Many businessmen left Chittagong for various limitations in Chittagong. "But, we want to make Chittagong trade and business friendly one. We want to create all types of facilities for the businessmen here in Chittagong. I hope after creating trade and business friendly atmosphere in Chittagong, the businessmen who left Chittagong earlier, may come back again in the port city."
He said once upon a time, the leather industries of Chittagong contributed a lot in national economy. But, now most of the lather industries of Chittagong are closed. "We want to restore the lost pride of leather industries of Chittagong and we will set the leather village here in the port city in this connection."
"The government will set up 100 economic zones in the country. Most of the economic zones will be set up in Chittagong and adjoining areas as Chittagong port, the prime sea port of the country is located here. We will set up an economic zone at Mirerswari very soon. I hope that the new economic zone at Mirerswari in Chittagong will be completed within next two years. After establishing the economic zones here in Chittagong, the job opportunities of the people will be increased," he added.
Executive Chairman of BEZA Pobon Chowdhury, a total of 25 lakh youths are entering the job market in the country every year. But, only, 2/3 lakh of them can get jobs while rests are waiting for new opportunities. "If we can set up the economic zones in Chittagong, the job opportunities for youths will be increased as well as all can get the job."
The inaugural function was chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Shamsul Arefin. The Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Ruhul Amin, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mohammed Shafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police of Chittagong Nur e Alam Mina, Commanders of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangshad Chittagong District and Chittagong City committee Mohammad Shahab Uddin and Mojjaffar Ahmed also addressed the function as special guests.
Earlier, a rally was brought out from Chittagong Circuit House before inauguration of the fair. A total of 95 organizations are participating in three-day long development fair in Chittagong. Seminars, rallies, discussion and cultural events will be held at the fair in the port city.