A record number of 150 newly-constructed bridges and 14 overpasses across the country have been opened to traffic in a single day on Thursday, which is considered to be a milestone in the development sector and also a huge boost to the country's road connectivity.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed bridges and overpasses by unveiling the inaugural plaque at Sarok Bhaban in the capital’s Tejgaon in the morning.
The prime minister also unveiled a mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and planted a sapling on the Sarok Bhaban premises.
Of the inaugurated bridges, 40 have been constructed in Mymensingh division, 32 in Dhaka, 27 in Chattogram, 22 in Rajshahi, 12 in Khulna, eight each in Barishal and Rangpur, and one in Sylhet.
Earlier, on November 7 and December 21 last year, the premier opened 100 bridges and 100 roads and highways across the country.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister at the same function on Thursday also opened 14 overpasses on highways that will help ensure road safety.
Besides, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two major bridges-- Kewatkhali Bridge and Rahmatpur Bridge-- over the Brahmaputra river in Mymensingh district.
The construction of Kewatkhali Bridge will cost Taka 3263.63 crore. It is going to be the largest steel-arch bridge in the country. The construction of the1471-metre Rahmatpur Bridge will cost Tk 358 crore. The construction of the bridges is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Among 14 overpasses opened on Thursday, eight are in Rajshahi division and six in Rangpur.
The projects have been implemented under the Roads and Highways Department (RHD).
The premier also launched the automated Vehicle Inspection Centre (VIC) for five years at a cost of Tk 105.23 crore in the capital's Mirpur; a newly constructed building of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority in Tejgaon, and BRTC's bus depot and training centre in Mymensingh.
She, as well, introduced the compensation programme for road accident victims by providing Tk 7.08 crore as compensation to 162 road accident victims or their families.
The premier also unveiled the cover of a book titled "Unnayan Darpon" featuring the development of the road transport and bridges sector by the Awami League government in Bangladesh for the last 15 years.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister opened a programme on the distribution of financial assistance among the road accident victims and family members. A total of 162 victims or family members –-42 persons from Dhaka Division, 39 from Chattogram, 26 from Rajshahi, 18 from Rangpur, 11 from Khulna, 10 each from Mymensingh and Sylhet and six from Barishal division—received the financial assistance in the function.
Tk 5 lakh was given for a death victim's family, while Tk 3 lakh was provided to a seriously injured person and Tk 1 lakh to an injured person.
The distribution of the financial assistance among the road crash victims will continue.
Earlier, on her arrival at the Sarok Bhaban, the prime minister was welcomed with a dance performance by a group of children.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Ministry's Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman Rowshan Ara Mannan spoke at the function.
Road Transport and Highways Division (RHD) Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri and its Chief Engineer Syed Moinul Hasan also spoke.
A video documentary on the development projects to be inaugurated and laid foundation stones was screened at the programme.
Local public representatives, noted personalities and commoners got connected to the programme from Mirpur BRTA in Dhaka and Mymensingh Circuit House Field.
