Babuganj: Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan today stated that the nation will support whoever emerges victorious in the upcoming national election. 'Our only expectation is that the election will take place in a festive and peaceful environment. No one should be able to capture polling centers like before. The Election Commission will now conduct the election independently,' he added. The adviser made these remarks while responding to queries from journalists after laying the foundation stone of the much-desired Mirganj Bridge over the river Arial Kha in Babuganj upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fouzul Kabir mentioned that the construction work of the bridge had been delayed due to various obstacles, which consequently increased the project cost. He emphasized that the bridge would contribute to economic revitalization, increase social harmony, and promote development in the industrial and agricultural sectors of the area.
During the event, Shipping Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain stated that the people of the region would greatly benefit once the bridge is constructed. He urged locals to remain vigilant to prevent corruption such as 'pond theft' or 'river theft' during the bridge's construction. He stressed that the work should be conducted with honesty and public trust in mind, warning that improperly awarded tasks could lead to local issues and negatively impact construction quality.
The planned 1.5-kilometer-long bridge will be built over the Arial Kha River at Mirganj under Babuganj upazila, with an estimated cost of Taka 1,442 crore. Construction is expected to begin in January next year. The foundation stone-laying ceremony was also attended by Divisional Commissioner of Barishal Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Barishal Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, senior officials from the Roads and Highways Department, and various political, social, and local dignitaries. Residents of Babuganj, Muladi, and Hijla upazilas had long demanded the construction of this bridge, and now that dream is finally becoming a reality.