Patuakhali: Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today announced that the construction work on the proposed Bogha Bridge over the Lohalia River is expected to begin early next year. He made the announcement after visiting the feasibility study site for the bridge construction at the premises of Chargarabdi Islamia Dakhil Madrasa in Dumki upazila of the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that the government has undertaken the project to connect the rural economy with the country’s main economic infrastructure and improve communication networks. He emphasized that the modernization of the transport system would enable farmers and local producers to send agricultural goods, handicrafts, and other local products directly to major urban markets without relying on middlemen.
“The implementation of the project will reduce travel time and transportation costs while creating new employment opportunities,” said Rabiul Alam. He further mentioned that the final design of the Bogha Bridge has already been completed, and after finishing the remaining procedural and complementary works, the formal process is expected to be completed next month, paving the way for construction to start next year.
During the visit, the minister engaged in discussions with local lawmakers, engineers, and residents and inspected the proposed bridge site, river flow, and soil conditions. He highlighted that the bridge would facilitate easier and faster communication between the capital and different upazilas of the district, as well as other parts of the country.
Among others present during the visit were local lawmakers Altaf Hossen Chowdhury and Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Syed Mainul Hasan, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossen Chowdhury, District Council Administrator Snehangsu Sarker, representatives from the local administration, and political leaders.