The government has decided to connect the island district of Bhola with Barisal and Dhaka through a new highway network.
The decision was taken at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to undertake a project to construct a highway along the Rahmatpur–Hizla–Mehendiganj–Bhola route, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.
Three proposals were discussed at the meeting, after which the Rahmatpur–Hizla–Mehendiganj–Bhola route was selected.
Tarique Rahman stressed the development of an integrated road network to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand opportunities for trade and economic activities.
He also instructed the authorities to expedite the initiative to bring Bhola under the national road network.
According to project officials, the proposed route will require widening existing roads, constructing new road sections and building three small bridges. A feasibility study will be conducted on an urgent basis to facilitate quick implementation.
The new road link is expected to reduce travel time and transportation costs between Bhola, Barisal, Dhaka and other parts of the country.
As Bhola is surrounded by rivers, residents have traditionally depended heavily on waterways for transportation. The proposed highway is expected to reduce this dependence and make the movement of people and goods faster and easier.
Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping and the Bridges Division Md Razib Ahsan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, among others, attended the meeting.
