Bhola to Be Connected to Mainland by Road Within Four to Five Years Through Roads and Bridges, Says Shipping Minister

Photo: Collected

Narayanganj Correspondent: Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said that Bhola has remained largely isolated from the mainland for a long time, and the government plans to connect the island district to the national road network through roads and bridges within the next four to five years.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Dhaka–Ilisha ferry service at Kanchpur in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on Tuesday afternoon, the minister said the ferry service has been launched on a trial basis to improve public transportation and connectivity.

He said that two ferries—Begum Sufia Kamal and Begum Rokeya—are currently operating on the route.

The minister added that after a few days of trial operations, the route has received a strong response from passengers. There has been significant public interest in using the service for passengers, private vehicles, pickup vans, and cargo trucks.

He also said discussions are underway to increase the number of ferries, improve service quality, ensure discipline in operations, and set reasonable fares.

The minister further said that the government is taking initiatives to make Dhaka’s circular water route and water bus service more passenger-friendly. He noted that if services operate on schedule, provide a comfortable travel environment, and ensure better road connectivity with waterways, these routes will become more popular and operating losses can be reduced.

Among those present at the inauguration were BIWTC Chairman A.T.M. Abdul Bari, Director (Administration) Md. Rabiul Alam, Director (Commerce) S.M. Ashikuzzaman, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Raihan Kabir, Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman, and other senior officials.