Talks are underway to bring high-speed bullet trains from China capable of running at 350 kilometres per hour, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said. “Even if our speed is somewhat lower, that would be fine,” he added.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the monthly meeting of the Sherpur District Law and Order Committee at the conference room of the Sherpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Sunday.

He said there is no precedent anywhere in the world for a government that fled following a mass uprising to return to power. “There is also no precedent for a country’s prime minister, ministers, members of parliament and leaders all fleeing together. This is the first such instance,” he said.

Addressing the Awami League, the minister said, “Those who are thinking about Sheikh Hasina’s return in December are indulging in wishful thinking. Instead, they should go through a process of self-reform.”

Regarding airports, Millat said seven of the country’s eight divisions, excluding Mymensingh, currently have airports. There are eight operational airports in the country, some of which are in fragile condition, he said. As more aircraft are expected to arrive in the country, a new airport will have to be built within the next 10 years, with Mymensingh Division to be given priority in this regard.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin. Sherpur-3 MP Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Sherpur-2 MP Fahim Chowdhury, reserved-seat MP Dr Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, Police Superintendent AKM Zahirul Islam and Sherpur District Council Administrator ABM Mamunur Rashid Palash also spoke at the meeting.