The government has given Taka 28.41 crore as compensation to 71 persons for acquiring their land for various development projects in the city.

The government has acquired their lands for implementation of five projects, including Rajshahi Medical University (RMU).

The cheques of compensated money were distributed at a function at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) here today (Monday).

DC Shamim Ahmed accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sarker Asim Kumar and Land Acquisition Officer Mithila Das distributed the cheques.

Speaking on the occasion, Shamim Ahmed said the present government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been implementing diversified projects for overall development of the country.

The government is very much positive to compensate the people whose lands are acquired for the projects timely, he added.

Shamim urged all quarters to extend their wholehearted cooperation for successful implementation of the projects.

Sarker Asim Kumar told BSS that 67.68 acres of lands in Borobangram, Shilinda and Baroipara areas were acquired for the RMU project costing around Taka 705.87 crore. Earlier, Taka 182.32 crore were distributed among the affected landowners.

The RMU campus will house a 1,200-bed hospital to facilitate healthcare services for the people along with expanding medical education and research in the northwest and southern parts of the country.

Around 21 big and small buildings, including academic, administrative, 1,200-bed hospital, mosque, school, daycare centre, central library, VC`s Lounge, dormitory and medical gas plant, will be built, he said.

A nursing institute will also be established on the campus for creating skilled nurses.

The medical university has been playing a vital role in expanding medical education in the region by arranging competent and devoted workforces as it has already achieved academic excellence to a greater extent.

Upon its successful implementation of the project, around 780 graduate and post-graduate level students of 68 departments under 10 faculties will get scopes of medical study and research.

Apart from this, around 5,000 people in the medical and nursing professions will get employment opportunities. Besides, two crore people in the country`s northwest region will get improved medical and healthcare facilities. BSS