Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the newly built cantonment named after her at Lebukhali in Patuakhali today. With the inauguration of the Sheikh Hasina Cantonment, the Barisal area command and seventh infantry divisions of the Bangladesh Army will soon start their activities.

Talking to The Independent, a senior Army officer yesterday said that the new cantonment would be formed along the Payra river for strengthening the activities of the Bangladesh Army as part of implementing "Force Goal 2030". For operating the new cantonment and the division, a total of 15,512 posts in 98 categories have been created.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), on November 14 last year, approved the project involving an estimated cost of Tk. 1,699 crore.

A total of 33 Army organisations, including the required number of brigades, regiments, battalions and companies, will be set up under the new infantry division and cantonment.

On June 25, 2014, Hasina approved a proposal for setting up the new cantonment between Barisal and Patuakhali.

With the new infantry division and the cantonment, the Bangladesh Army will operate under 10 area commands and infantry divisions and 29 cantonments across the country.

Our Patuakhali Correspondent adds: After inaugurating the new cantonment, the PM will hoist the flags of 11 units, including those of the seven infantry divisions, today.

Barisal deputy commissioner Dr Masumur Rahman said that at least 13 development projects would be inaugurated in Patuakhali-4 in Patuakhali Sadar, one in Mirzaganj, three in Bauphal, one in Dashmina, and three each in Kalapara and Galachipa upazilas.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a 50-bed diabetic hospital, a 10-bed mother and child welfare centres in Deoli and Sabupura, and a newly built hostel of Patuakhali Government Children Family (Girls). Besides, she will unveil the Kazi Abul Kashem Stadium, Muktijoddha Complex in Dashmina, Kalapara West Chakamaya Government Primary School cum Cyclone Shelter, East Dalbuganj Government Primary School cum Cyclone Shelter of Kalapara, Government Primary School cum Cyclone Shelter of Bauphal, Bhaupal’s Dhandi Model High School cum Cyclone Shelter, Kalapara Upazila Muktijoddha Complex, Golachipa Muktijoddha Complex, a digital publicity screen at Patuakhali deputy commissioner’s office and an auditorium of the Shahid Sheikh Kamal Memorial Complex.

Hasina will also lay the foundation stone of an extension to the administrative building of Golachipa upazila parishad and the hall room.