Desk Report:
The long-awaited foot-over bridge connecting Aftabnagar and Banasree, constructed over the Rampura Canal under the funding and initiative of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), has been officially inaugurated. On Wednesday (September 23, 2026), DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton opened this much-anticipated foot-over bridge for public use by unveiling a commemorative plaque in Aftabnagar.
The opening of this bridge resolves the long-standing commuting woes faced by residents of the densely populated Aftabnagar and Banasree residential areas on either side of the Rampura Canal. Previously, crossing from one bank to the other required a lengthy detour; now, pedestrians can cross directly over the canal. It is expected that this will save citizens of both areas approximately 30 to 40 minutes in their daily commutes.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton stated that the project was implemented in deference to the long-standing demands of the residents of Aftabnagar and Banasree. He noted that it would stand as a lasting testament to development.
Administrator Milton added, “Establishing this connection was a long-standing demand of the residents of the Aftabnagar and Banasree residential areas. With the construction of this bridge, citizens will save about 30 to 40 minutes in travel time—a significant benefit for city dwellers. We are committed to easing the daily lives of residents and alleviating public inconvenience.”
Highlighting new ideas for future urban planning and traffic congestion mitigation, he mentioned that this development is not limited to pedestrian crossings alone. Work is also proceeding rapidly on the construction of two additional steel bridges over the canal, which will accommodate heavy vehicles.
Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton noted that traffic congestion on the capital’s main roads is likely to increase once the Metro Rail (MRT) project work commences in the future. These constructed and proposed bridges will serve as vital “bypass routes” for the city, significantly alleviating traffic congestion on the main roads adjacent to Rampura and Badda.
The project to construct these connecting bridges was successfully implemented through the City Corporation’s own funding, under the overall supervision and technical management of the Bangladesh Navy.
Senior officials from the DNCC and high-ranking officers from the Bangladesh Navy—who jointly supervised the project—were present alongside the DNCC Administrator at the inauguration ceremony. Attendees included Mir Khairul Alam, Chief Executive Officer, DNCC; Brigadier General Rakibul Hasan, Chief Engineer, DNCC; Commodore Humayun Kabir, Chief Waste Management Officer, DNCC; Brigadier General Imrul Kayes, Chief Health Officer, DNCC; and Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, Additional Chief Engineer, DNCC.
Additionally, leaders of local community associations and representatives from the Bangladesh Navy congratulated the Administrator and commended this positive initiative by the DNCC.
