Desk Report:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued directives to advance plans for the construction of a Y-shaped second Padma Bridge, a second Jamuna Bridge—with a focus on the northern region—and a Padma Barrage.
He gave these instructions during a meeting held on Tuesday afternoon (November 3) at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, attended by officials from relevant ministries and departments.
It was noted during the meeting that feasibility studies for the second Padma and Jamuna bridges are currently underway. Once these studies are concluded in September next year, final decisions regarding the potential locations, designs, and project costs for both bridges will be made.
The proposal for a Y-shaped connection for the second Padma Bridge was given special emphasis. Such a configuration would facilitate smoother and more efficient connectivity between the country’s southwestern region and the capital. It would also create alternative transport links to the Mongla seaport, as well as the Benapole and Darshana land ports.
Meanwhile, discussions regarding the second Jamuna Bridge focused on prioritizing the development of transport infrastructure in the northern region, including Rangpur. The construction of this bridge is expected to expand and simplify road connectivity between the northern region and the rest of the country.
The meeting also included a detailed discussion on the Padma Barrage project. The potential benefits of the project—such as addressing water shortages during the dry season, boosting agricultural production, maintaining the river’s natural flow, and preserving environmental balance—were highlighted. Additionally, the possibility of incorporating a road crossing over the barrage was also discussed.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed key aspects of project implementation, including identifying funding sources, land acquisition, the rehabilitation of affected individuals, and ensuring effective coordination among the relevant ministries and agencies.
