SATKHIRA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday said the government wouldn’t let the Aila-affected people remain in misery and they would be provided with all supports until they are rehabilitated, as the super-cyclone has rendered many of them climate refugees.

The premier held out the assurance at a rally at Nokipur Pilot Model High School in Shyamnagar upazila of the district during her visit to Aila-affected areas here and in neighbouring Khulna district.  

Turning to national issues, she told her audience that the government would ensure trial of war criminals, which is an election pledge of her party and the grand alliance led by the Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina said free education would be provided up to degree level, in further extending facilities in the vital sector.

The Prime Minister also announced that plans are underway to build the Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest, as an attractive tourist resort.  

Unveiling a package of local development plans, she further announced that a Medical College Hospital will be established in Satkhira and railway link extended linking the frontier district.  And Shyamnagar upazila headquarters will be turned into a municipality.  

Later, the Prime Minister visited Koyra upazila of Khulna as part of her daylong visit to the southwestern coastal areas worst hit by the super-cyclone Aila in May 2009 that left scores dead and many others homeless.  
 
The PM, at a public gathering on the premises of Bagli Union Parisad in Koyra, announced the upgrading of Paikgacha Health Complex to a 50-bed hospital and nationalization of two colleges in Paikgachha and Koyra Upazilas, including one women’s college.

She also said the government would establish an Agricultural College in Paikgachha and a public library and stadium each in both the upazilas.

“The government is pledge-bound to construct a cyclone center in every school and college in the region and will provide shelter to the homeless people,” said the PM.

She distributed cheques for cash relief among 20 Aila-stricken people of Koyra and Dakop upazilas.

BDST: 1955 HRS. JULY 23, 2010