Dhaka, June 13 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the Cox's Bazar-Chattogram Highway will be upgraded to a six-lane motorway, describing it as a key route for the region's economic development.

Speaking at a public rally in Chakaria on Saturday night, the prime minister said work would soon begin to expand the four-lane highway to six lanes.

He said the government was working to change the "fortune of farmers and all citizens" through implementation of the proposed national budget.

"By implementing the new budget for the coming fiscal year, we are working to change the fate of farmers and the people of this country," he said.

The rally was held at a stage set up outside the municipal bus terminal under the banner of t...