A Correspondent:
Khulna: Khulna city is wearing a major beautification drive ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit on November 5 to inaugurate the second edition of ‘Notun Kuri Sports-2026’ at Khulna District Stadium.
The city is witnessing a festive atmosphere as Khulna City Corporation (KCC) has undertaken various initiatives to enhance its appearance and showcase the region’s rich history, heritage and natural beauty.
As part of the initiative, colorful murals are being painted on walls at different locations across the city, highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of Khulna and the southwestern region.
The murals feature the Sundarbans, the Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, the historic Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat and other prominent cultural and natural landmarks.
The initiative aims to turn ordinary city walls into vibrant displays of local heritage while creating a more attractive urban environment for residents and visitors.
The beautification activities are being carried out under the supervision of KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, with students of the Fine Arts Discipline of Khulna University participating in painting the murals.
Nazrul Islam Manju said the corporation was working to present Khulna as a beautiful, clean and aesthetically appealing city ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
“We are trying to highlight Khulna’s history, heritage and natural beauty through wall paintings. Our rich heritage, including the Sundarbans and the Sixty Dome Mosque, should become an integral part of the city’s beauty,” he said.
“We want visitors to be impressed by the city’s appearance and the people of Khulna to feel proud of their hometown,” he added.
The initiative is also expected to promote local history and culture among the younger generation and strengthen the city’s distinctive identity.
Khulna, a major urban centre in the southwestern region, has significant economic potential in industry, trade, fisheries, tourism and Sundarbans-based activities. The Prime Minister’s visit has raised fresh expectations for regional development, improved infrastructure and better civic facilities.
Organisers expect the ‘Notun Kuri Sports-2026’ programme to help expand the initiative nationwide while providing Khulna with an opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the district administration has directed relevant government departments and agencies to complete preparations to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
The preparations include vehicle requisition, rest facilities, helipads, ambulances and emergency medical services, uninterrupted power supply, generators, firefighting equipment and security arrangements.
The authorities have also stressed coordinated efforts to ensure emergency response readiness, maintain essential services and strengthen overall security during the visit.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat said officials and employees of all government offices in the district had been instructed to maintain regular attendance. Measures had also been taken to discourage unnecessary casual leave during the period.
She said people had been asked to voluntarily remove illegal structures, warning that unauthorised establishments would otherwise be evicted through mobile courts.
Khulna District Council Administrator and acting member secretary of the district BNP, SM Monirul Hasan Bappi, said enthusiasm had spread across the city ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
He said leaders and activists at different levels were working together to prepare the city to welcome the Prime Minister.
“We hope that the more frequently the Prime Minister visits Khulna, the faster the region’s development will progress,” he added.
The ongoing beautification drive, particularly the colourful murals depicting the region’s history and heritage, has added to the festive atmosphere ahead of the November 5 programme.
