Shahadat Hossain Sajjad, Rauzan (Chattogram)
A 120-metre-long bridge is being constructed over the Sarta Canal to ease longstanding communication difficulties between Rauzan and Fatikchhari upazilas in Chattogram, benefiting an estimated 50,000 people.
The bridge, proposed to be named after Shaheed Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, will cost Tk 22.96 crore. A public meeting will be held at Hochhar Ghat in Rauzan's Haldia Union on November 5 to mark the inauguration of the construction work. Rauzan MP and BNP Central Vice-Chairman Alhaj Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury is expected to attend as the chief guest.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the two upazilas, facilitating the movement of people and the transportation of agricultural produce. It is also expected to boost trade and improve access to education and healthcare.
Rauzan Upazila Engineer Mizanur Rahman Majumder said the 120-metre bridge would be built with an aesthetically appealing arch design at a cost of Tk 22.96 crore. Besides improving connectivity, it would accelerate travel and economic activities in the two areas. Its distinctive design is also expected to make it a tourist attraction.
J A M Iqbal Hasan, executive director of QC Group, said the bridge would remove a longstanding barrier to communication between the two upazilas. It would make travel, agricultural transportation, trade and access to education and healthcare easier, bringing positive changes to the lives of at least 50,000 people and giving fresh momentum to the regional economy.
M Mahiuddin Jibon, member-secretary of the Haldia Union BNP convening committee, said the bridge would establish a new link between communities on both sides of the canal. It would ease travel difficulties and strengthen social, economic and commercial ties between the two upazilas.
Meanwhile, officials of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), along with leaders of the BNP and its affiliated organisations, visited the meeting venue yesterday to review preparations and the overall situation. #EK
