Bhola to be connected to national road network through new highway

The island district of Bhola is set to be connected to the country’s main road network through a new highway on the Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the relevant authorities to expedite the initiative at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday (August 22). Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu disclosed the decision after the meeting.

He said three proposals were discussed to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola, Dhaka and Barishal. The route proposed by the Roads and Highways Department, Barishal (Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola), was selected for the project.

The highway will connect Bhola with the country’s main road network. At the meeting, Tarique Rahman stressed the need for an integrated road system to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand opportunities for trade and commerce. He directed the relevant authorities to move quickly with the initiative to connect Bhola to the national road network.

Project officials said the proposed route would require widening existing roads, constructing new roads and building three small bridges. A feasibility and viability assessment of the project will be conducted soon.

Once implemented, the project will establish direct road connectivity between Bhola, Barishal, Dhaka and other parts of the country, which is expected to reduce both travel time and costs. As Bhola is surrounded by rivers, its residents have long depended heavily on waterways for transportation. The new road connection is expected to reduce that dependence.

Officials at the meeting said the Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route would offer significant savings in distance, time and cost, particularly as an alternative route connecting Bhola with Dhaka and Barishal.

The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam; State Minister for the Ministry of Shipping and Bridges Division Rajib Ahsan; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Mohammad Ziaul Haque; Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rauf; and Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, among other senior officials.