Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday laid the foundation stone of newly formed Pekua municipality in Cox’s Bazar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to local development and administrative expansion.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the municipality in the afternoon at the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Upokulio College in Pekua upazila during a day-long visit to the coastal district.

He was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and his wife Hasina Ahmed.

The ceremony was followed by prayers and munajat.

After the inauguration, the Prime Minister greeted the people gathered at the venue by waving at them.

In his address, Tarique Rahman said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had laid the foundation stone of Pekua upazila 25 years ago, and now the same political party has initiated the municipality development, reflecting its continued commitment to public welfare and development.

He said the BNP remains committed to the welfare of the people, no matter whether it is in or out of power, adding that public interest and national development are the party’s core priorities.

“The BNP’s main focus is the interest of the country and its people. That is our sole objective and commitment,” the Prime Minister said.

Apart from the home minister, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shah Alam, lawmakers and senior officials were present during the programme.

On May 17 this year, the current government published the final gazette declaring Pekua Sadar union as Pekua municipality.