Dhaka: Reemphasising the need for formulating a masterplan to protect croplands, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the authorities concerned to be careful about arable lands while going for any development project in any area of the country.

‘Be careful so that arable lands must not be destroyed while development activities are done,’ she said, reports the UNB.

The Prime Minister came up with the directives while speaking after the oath-taking ceremony of Panchagar district council chairman at her office.

Sheikh Hasina said the development of each district and upazila should be done as per their demands and requirements, and reemphasised formulating a masterplan. While formulating the masterplan, the environment issue should be kept in mind, she said.

The Prime Minister also said mills, factories and other establishments will have to be built by protecting the environment.

PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the oath-taking ceremony.

Earlier, the Prime Minister administered the oath of office to newly-elected Panchagarh district council chairman Mohammad Anwar Sadat.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon, LGRD State Minister Swapan Bhattacharya, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Najibur Rahman and PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan were present.

The by-election to Panchagarh district council was held on February 28 in which Anwar Sadat Samrat was elected as chairman.

The post of the chairman fell vacant following the death of former chairman Md Amanullah Bachchu on January 9 this year.