The decision to connect Bhola with the mainland through the Hijla-Mehendiganj route is more than an infrastructure initiative—it is a decision with the potential to open a new chapter of economic and social development for Bangladesh’s southern region.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday decided to build the highway along the Hijla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route to connect the island district of Bhola with the country’s main road network.
For generations, the people of Bhola and surrounding riverine areas have lived with the limitations imposed by geography. Surrounded by rivers, communities have depended heavily on waterways for transportation of people and goods. While river transport remains important, dependence on ferries and launches has often meant longer journeys, higher transportation costs and uncertainty in reaching major markets and urban centres.
The proposed Bhola-Hijla-Mehendiganj road corridor could fundamentally change that reality. By linking Bhola directly with Barishal and, through the national highway network, with Dhaka and other parts of the country, the project has the potential to turn geographical isolation into connectivity.
The most immediate beneficiaries will be ordinary people. A modern and reliable road connection would make it easier for residents to travel for employment, education, healthcare and business. Patients requiring specialised treatment in Barishal or Dhaka could potentially reach hospitals more quickly. Students would have greater access to educational institutions, while workers and entrepreneurs would have more opportunities to travel beyond their local communities.
The economic possibilities are equally significant. Bhola is rich in agricultural and fisheries resources, but producers have historically faced difficulties in taking their products to distant markets efficiently. Improved road connectivity could reduce transportation costs and shorten delivery times. Farmers and fishermen could therefore gain better access to larger markets, while consumers in major cities could receive fresh products more efficiently.
The project could also encourage the growth of agro-processing, fisheries, cold storage, warehousing and other industries. Better roads reduce logistical uncertainty, one of the major obstacles to private investment in less-connected regions. As connectivity improves, entrepreneurs may be encouraged to establish businesses that create jobs locally rather than forcing young people to migrate to Dhaka or other major cities in search of employment.
The benefits will not stop at Bhola. Hijla and Mehendiganj, along with neighbouring communities, could emerge as important economic links between the island district and the mainland. A stronger road network could stimulate regional trade, tourism and small-business development, creating a wider economic corridor across the southern belt.
There is also a broader national significance. Bangladesh’s development has historically been concentrated around Dhaka and several major urban centres. Connecting geographically disadvantaged regions to the national transport network is essential for achieving more balanced development. Infrastructure can serve as the bridge between national economic growth and opportunities for communities that have remained relatively isolated.
However, the success of the project will depend on proper planning and execution. The feasibility study should carefully assess environmental, geological and social considerations. Construction quality, drainage, bridge safety, land management and long-term maintenance must receive equal attention. The project should be implemented transparently and efficiently so that its benefits reach the people rather than being eroded by delays or cost overruns.
The Bhola-Hijla-Mehendiganj road project should therefore be viewed as an investment in people, not merely in asphalt and concrete. It can reduce distance, lower costs, expand markets, create employment and connect communities to new possibilities.
We believe, if planned and implemented properly, this road could become the gateway through which the southern region moves from geographical isolation toward greater prosperity, mobility and opportunity. So, the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola and the mainland through the Hijla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route is a welcome and a very timely strategically important step towards development of the country`s southern region.
