Mizan Mohsin, Saidpur
Saidpur, a railway heritage town in Nilphamari, is being spruced up ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit to Rangpur on Tuesday, October 20, with roads cleaned, footpaths refurbished and walls repainted.
The beautification work is most visible along the VIP road from Panchmatha intersection to CSD intersection, where road dividers and walls beside footpaths have been painted red and white.
Abdur Gafur Sarkar, president of the Saidpur political district unit of the BNP, said the prime minister was scheduled to arrive at Saidpur Airport by air around 9:00am on Tuesday before travelling to Rangpur by a special bulletproof bus. Necessary security arrangements were being made, he said. Party leaders, activists and local residents are expected to line the roads to welcome him.
Beautification work is also underway on Airport Road, Parbatipur Road and around the bus terminal. Roads and dividers are being washed, footpaths cleaned, walls painted and flower plants placed along the Airport Road divider. Decorative gates have also been erected at different locations.
A symbolic installation is being set up at CSD intersection to highlight Saidpur’s distinctive identity and heritage for visitors arriving at or leaving the town through the airport.
Assistant Engineer of Saidpur Municipality Abdul Khaleque and sanitation staff are working day and night to complete the preparations.
Lutfar Rahman, a BNP leader and principal of Hajati Hat School and College, praised the municipal initiative, saying the plan to showcase the town’s heritage along the airport route was commendable and would help present its distinctive identity to visitors.
Local residents have also welcomed the improvements. Imtiaz Hossain of Old Babupara said cleaner roads and a better-looking town would benefit residents and visitors alike.
He stressed, however, that the improvements should be maintained beyond the prime minister’s visit. Regular waste collection, renovation of roads in residential neighbourhoods and continued sanitation work were essential to keeping the town clean and comfortable, he said.
Saidpur’s heritage extends beyond its roads and buildings to its long railway history, vibrant community life and distinctive urban character. Residents hope the current drive will lead to regular maintenance and long-term planning, leaving the town cleaner and more pleasant for everyday life. #EK