Bhola is set to be connected to the national highway network through a new road along the Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route, raising hopes of an end to the island district's long-standing communication isolation.
Around 21.5km of new road will be constructed under the initiative, according to officials concerned. A consultant will first conduct a feasibility study before the project moves forward.
The move has brought relief to residents who have long relied on waterways to travel to Barishal and other parts of the country.
Ferry, launch, trawler and speedboat services often face delays and disruptions, particularly during bad weather. The problems are especially acute for emergency patients and businesses transporting agricultural and fishery products.
The initiative was announced on August 22, with the authorities concerned instructed to take steps to expedite the work.
The development has also renewed calls for construction of the proposed Bhola-Barishal Bridge. A commitment to build the bridge was made at an election rally in Barishal on February 4.
Local residents say the bridge and highway projects should move forward together to establish a permanent and uninterrupted road connection between Bhola and the mainland.
Md Jamal Uddin Khan, director of the Bhola Chamber of Commerce, said improved connectivity would unlock the district's potential in gas, agriculture, hilsa fisheries and tourism.
“Once road connectivity is established, hilsa, watermelon, capsicum and other agricultural and fishery products can be transported quickly to different parts of the country,” he said.
Mir Mosharraf Ami, member secretary of Amra Bholabashi, welcomed the highway initiative but said it should not be considered an alternative to the bridge.
“We have been campaigning for the Bhola-Barishal Bridge for a long time. The two projects are not contradictory and both should be given priority,” he said.
Advocate Nazrul Haque Anu, president of Bhola Press Club, said Bhola remained geographically isolated despite the country's development in communication infrastructure.
He welcomed the highway initiative and said the Bhola-Barishal Bridge was also essential to meet the long-standing demand of the people.
Gholam Nabi Alamgir, administrator of Bhola District Council and convener of the district BNP, said improved road connectivity would bring significant changes to the local economy.
He said better transportation would facilitate the use of the district's gas, agricultural and fishery resources and create greater opportunities for industrial development.
Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, MP from Bhola-3 constituency and Speaker, said establishing mainland connectivity and constructing the Bhola-Barishal Bridge had long been legitimate demands of the people.
Andalib Rahman Partha, MP from Bhola-1 constituency and Minister for Information and Broadcasting, described the highway initiative as an important step towards fulfilling the expectations of Bhola's residents.
He said improved connectivity would accelerate economic development and bring a new dimension to transportation in the southern region.
Md Maidul Islam, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Bhola, said the proposed 21.5km road would form the key link between Bhola and the national highway network.
“A feasibility study will be conducted before further steps are taken to begin the work,” he said.
Officials said Bhola could be connected to the national highway network after completion of the feasibility study and other necessary procedures.
The initiative is expected to improve transportation and boost agriculture, fisheries, trade, industry and tourism in the district. Residents, however, say the proposed Bhola-Barishal Bridge remains crucial for ensuring a permanent road link with the mainland.
FP/A
