Dhaka, Aug 22 (V7N) – The government has decided to connect the island district of Bhola by road with Barisal and Dhaka, selecting the Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route for highway construction .
The decision was taken at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu . Three proposals were discussed, with the Roads and Highways Department's proposed route ultimately finalized .
The Prime Minister stressed developing an integrated road network to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand opportunities for trade and economic activities . He directed authorities to expedite the initiative to bring Bhola under the national road network .
Project officials said the proposed route would require widening existing roads, constructing new sections and building three small bridges . A feasibility study will be assessed expeditiously for quick implementation .
Once completed, the road will reduce travel time and transportation costs between Bhola, Barisal, Dhaka and other parts of the country . As Bhola is surrounded by rivers, its people have long relied on waterways for communication. The new road link will reduce this dependence and facilitate the movement of people and goods .
Officials noted that the Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route offers significant advantages in terms of distance, time and cost savings, potentially becoming an effective alternative route for travel between Bhola and Dhaka and Barisal .
Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Division Md Razib Ahsan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, and other senior officials attended the meeting .
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