Chattogram, Apr 02 (V7N) — Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus is set to lay the foundation stone for a long-awaited new bridge at Kalurghat over the Karnaphuli River on May 14, officials announced Wednesday.

The announcement was made by Liberation War Affairs and Relief and Disaster Management Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Pratik, during a visit to the Boalkhali residence of July Uprising martyr Engineer Omar Faruk, where he exchanged Eid greetings with the martyr’s family.

The existing century-old bridge at Kalurghat, which serves both railway and single-lane vehicular traffic, has long been deemed dilapidated and unsafe. Residents of Boalkhali and parts of Patiya upazila, adjacent to Chattogram, have been demanding a new bridge for years.

Faruk-e-Azam stated that Prof. Yunus will visit his home district, Chattogram, for the first time since taking office as Chief Adviser of the Interim Government. His visit will coincide with the convocation ceremony of Chattogram University, where he will serve as the chief guest.

“The demand from the people of Chattogram, especially from the north-southern areas along the river, is completely justified. This bridge is essential for the region’s development,” Faruk-e-Azam said.

During his visit, the adviser also prayed at the grave of Omar Faruk and expressed sympathy for his family. "They may never get back their beloved son, but we will always stand beside them," he said, emphasizing the need for justice for victims of past atrocities.

He further stressed the importance of ensuring trials for perpetrators of genocide and establishing a justice-based society.

The event was attended by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, local UNO Md. Rahmat Ullah, OC Md. Golam Sarwar, and local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Dr. Khorshedul Alam and Dr. Abu Naser.

END/MSS/RH