The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Kishoreganj is implementing various projects worth several hundred crore taka to boost the economy of the haor region of Kishoreganj.
Construction of a mini circuit house and several bridges in different upazilas of Kishoreganj is currently underway as part of these projects.
The communication system and tourism sector in the haor region of Kishoreganj have seen improvements, but these developments remained somewhat disorganized. Due to infrastructural weaknesses, the haor residents could not fully reap the benefits of these improvements. Challenges such as difficulties in transporting agricultural products, commuting hardships, and lack of proper accommodation for tourists hampered the local economy. To address these issues, extensive efforts are underway in the haor areas, including the construction of bridges, roads, and a circuit house for tourists. LGED is implementing these projects, worth several hundred crores of taka.
Once considered a neglected region, Itna, Mithamain, and Austagram upazilas of Kishoreganj's haor belt have made significant progress and witnessed development. Roads, cantonments, and educational institutions have been built, and tourist visits have increased. However, the absence of some key bridges prevented the residents from fully benefiting from these developments. Additionally, the lack of quality accommodation and dining facilities caused inconvenience for tourists.
To address these challenges, a mini circuit house is being constructed in Mithamain at a cost of Tk 25 crore. The four-story circuit house is expected to be completed within three months, providing affordable accommodation for tourists from distant places. This facility is anticipated to increase tourist presence in the haor areas and boost the local economy.
Meanwhile, a bridge is being constructed over the Ghorautra River in Mithamain sadar, which is almost complete now. The 362-meter bridge is being built at a cost of around Tk 49 crore. Once completed, it will connect at least 10 villages, including Kazipur and Khilpara, directly to the upazila headquarters. This will help transporting agricultural goods and improve communication for tourists and students.
Sanowar Mia and Jewel from Mithamain Sadar said, once the bridge is built, TTC students won’t need to cross the river by boat. People from 10 nearby villages will be able to travel conveniently via this bridge. During the rainy season, many tourists visit our area, but they cannot stay here due to inadequate accommodation. The circuit house under construction will solve this issue, allowing many visitors to stay.
Mithamain Upazila Engineer Faizur Razzak said although Mithamain’s potential as a tourist destination has begun to be recognized, the lack of infrastructure caused significant difficulties for tourists, particularly in terms of accommodation, dining, and sanitation. The rest house under construction will provide much-needed facilities. Additionally, the bridges and submersible roads being built will enable easier travel within the haor region. Meanwhile, a bridge worth nearly Tk 100 crore is being constructed over the Dhanu River in Barshikura area of Itna upazila. The 590-meter bridge is also nearing completion. Once operational, it will establish direct connections between the haor region and Tarail, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh, and Azmiriganj in Habiganj. This will make local transportation and the movement of agricultural goods much easier. Locals believe the visually appealing bridge will become a tourist attraction.
Residents of Barshikura village in Itna, including Abul Kashem, Sourav, and Didar, said, pregnant women in our village used to face significant challenges due to transportation issues. This bridge will be a great help, particularly for pregnant women. It will also attract tourists during the monsoon season.
Itna LGED Engineer Noni Gopal Das said, once the bridge is operational, haor residents will be freed from years of hardship. For residents of Abdullahpur and Kalma unions and surrounding areas in Austagram, crossing Bilmaksa River was a long-standing difficulty. The LGED’s initiative to construct a bridge connecting the isolated villages to Austagram sadar has been highly appreciated by the locals. A 450-meter bridge is being built here, which is expected to be completed by February at a cost of approximately Tk 80 crore taka. Once completed, it will establish direct road connectivity between Austagram and Habiganj, benefiting the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors. It will also bring significant improvements to the residents’ quality of life and reduce local hardships.
Residents of Abdullahpur village in Austagram, such as Kawsar, Alam, and Roni, shared their views, saying slthough we belong to Kishoreganj, Habiganj is very close to us. For emergencies, we travel to Habiganj via river routes, and most of our business activities are concentrated there.
So, this bridge has been a long-standing demand. Life in the haor region is tough. We battle nature every day. This bridge will bring us relief.
Austagram Upazila Engineer Syed Rozaul Haque remarked, the bridge will play a significant role in improving the lives and socio-economic conditions of the local residents.
