Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Sunday said construction work on the long-awaited six-lane highways on the Dhaka–Sylhet and Sylhet–Chattogram routes will begin soon, as the Prime Minister has already instructed the authorities concerned to move forward with the project.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a doa and iftar programme organised by the Sylhet district administration.

Referring to the law and order situation, the minister said the temporary deterioration in security in Sylhet has been brought under control through the collective efforts of all concerned.

He also said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to intensify vigilance to keep the situation normal ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Highlighting Sylhet’s tourism potential, the minister said the region is an attractive destination for visitors and necessary steps are being taken to ensure smooth road connectivity for tourists during the upcoming Eid holidays.

Authorities have been directed to keep road communications operational, while facilities such as toilets, rest areas and safe drinking water will be arranged at various tourist spots for the convenience of visitors, he said, adding that security measures will also be strengthened.

Later, the minister distributed Eid gifts among injured participants and families of those killed in the July movement, at an event organised by the district administration at the Circuit House.

Recalling journalist Abu Turab, who was killed during the movement, the minister said he had been present in the same procession when Turab was shot.

“Turab was standing beside me in the procession when he was shot and embraced martyrdom. The new Bangladesh achieved through the sacrifices of thousands of July fighters will always remember their contributions with deep respect,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam said the government has not forgotten the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the July movement.

“We believe the martyr families are a source of strength for us. Within our limited capacity, we remain committed to standing beside you whenever needed,” he added.

Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Range DIG Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, along with leaders of various political and professional bodies, family members of July fighters, government officials and journalists attended the iftar programme.