Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said the development of Bogura is not merely about advancing the region but is also part of efforts to strengthen the country’s economy,
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Shah Fateh Ali Bridge, built over the Karatoya River in Bogura on Saturday.
The minister said a wave of development had begun across the country, with the government implementing infrastructure and transport projects based on local needs.
“Bogura is a highly important region for the national economy. It has huge potential, particularly in light engineering, agricultural production and agro-based industries. Therefore, the development of Bogura is being considered a matter of national importance,” he said.
He added that initiatives had been taken to further advance Bogura through coordinated development of industries and infrastructure.
Robiul said a development zone had been established covering five districts centred around Bogura. The zone would oversee infrastructure development, undertake new projects and implement various public-oriented initiatives, he added.
The minister also said an initiative had been taken to build a park to ensure recreational facilities and open spaces for people. He added that work on constructing a railway line from Bogura to Sirajganj and establishing a rail junction was also progressing.
On improving road connectivity, he said several infrastructure projects had already been undertaken in Bogura, including overpasses, multiple bypass roads and other road development schemes.
“Once these projects are completed, communication facilities in Bogura will become easier and more modern,” he said.
Speaking about the nearly 68-metre-long Shah Fateh Ali Bridge over the Karatoya River, the minister said necessary facilities had been ensured on the bridge, while a separate lane had been secured to prevent illegal structures and temporary shops from being set up there.
He said beautification work had also been carried out and adequate lighting would be arranged at night so that the area could become an attractive destination similar to a tourist spot. The minister added that the Water Resources Ministry and other relevant ministries had taken initiatives to improve and preserve the Karatoya River.
Regarding road accidents, Sheikh Robiul said initiatives were being gradually established to create skilled drivers while ensuring drivers were mentally and physically fit.
“However, it cannot be denied that the road sector had suffered from long-standing deterioration, mismanagement and a lack of maintenance,” he said.
The minister said the government was giving high priority to road safety.
“If the figures are reviewed at the end of the year, it will be seen that road accidents are declining steadily compared with any previous period,” he added.
He reiterated that Bogura’s development was not only for its residents but was directly linked to the country’s overall progress and economic growth.
“Through integrated development of industry, agriculture and communication infrastructure, Bogura can move further ahead, and the benefits will reach the entire country,” he said, expressing hope that more visible development would take place in Bogura in the future.
During his visit to Bogura, Sheikh Robiul Alam inspected the Bogura Road Zone at Charmatha in the afternoon and inaugurated the Shah Fateh Ali Bridge at Chelopara in the city later in the day. He also laid the foundation stone of Shakpala Park.
Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Ministry Adviser Mir Shahe Alam, Bogura district BNP President and MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Acting General Secretary of the district BNP and MP Md Mosharraf Hossain, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Syed Moinul Hasan, Bogura Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Md Rashedul Haque and others were present.
Also attending the event were Bogura City Corporation Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, Deputy Commissioner Md Toufiqur Rahman, District Council Administrator AKM Ahsanul Tayeb Zakir, Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud PPM, Additional Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Md Moniruzzaman, Rangpur Zone Chief Engineer Md Amanullah, Rajshahi Zone Chief Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun, Bogura Zone Chief Engineer Md Suruj Mia, Road Circle Chief Engineer Mohammad Hamidul Haque and others.
