Prime Minister Directs Progress on Three Mega Projects Including the Second Padma Bridge

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to expedite plans for the construction of the Second Padma Bridge, the Second Jamuna Bridge and the Padma Barrage.

Among the key priorities are exploring the possibility of constructing the Second Padma Bridge in a Y-shaped design and improving connectivity to the northern region, including Rangpur, through the Second Jamuna Bridge.

He issued the directives at a meeting with officials from the relevant ministries and divisions at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday (November 3, 2026) afternoon.

At the meeting, officials informed the Prime Minister that feasibility studies for the Second Padma Bridge and the Second Jamuna Bridge are currently underway. Following the completion of the studies in September next year, final decisions will be made regarding the locations, designs and estimated costs of the two bridges.

The meeting included detailed discussions on a proposed Y-shaped connection system for the Second Padma Bridge. Once constructed, the bridge is expected to make communication between the capital and the southwestern region of the country easier and faster. It will also create opportunities to develop alternative transport links with Mongla Seaport and the Benapole and Darshana land ports.

Meanwhile, improving connectivity to the northern region, particularly Rangpur, received special attention in discussions regarding the Second Jamuna Bridge. The project is expected to expand road connectivity in the region and accelerate economic activities.

The construction plan for the Padma Barrage was also discussed at the meeting. Its importance was highlighted in addressing water shortages during the dry season, increasing agricultural production, maintaining the natural flow of rivers and preserving environmental balance. The possibility of establishing road connectivity across the barrage is also being considered.

The meeting also discussed financing, land acquisition, rehabilitation of affected people and effective coordination among the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the implementation of the projects.

Those present at the meeting included Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam; State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam; State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid; State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad; and State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Division Md. Rajib Ahsan.

Also present were Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumder, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Water Resources Ministry Secretary Dr. A. K. M. Shahabuddin, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, and senior officials from the relevant ministries, departments and projects.