Karnaphuli Bridge Opening Tomorrow
Trade, commerce to get new horizons
The newly built Shah Amanat Bridge over the river Karnaphuli would usher prospects in trade and industrialisation of the economically potential southern part of the greater Chittagong linking the region with country's main land.
The bridge, long-felt demand of nearly 75 lakh people of three districts is no more a mere dream as it is scheduled to open to traffic tomorrow. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the bridge.
It will largely ease sufferings of the commuters of both sides of the river Karnaphuli and create opportunities for easy transportation of exportable goods, including shrimps, dry fish, salt and vegetables from the region to other parts of the country.
Local people, however, expressed a bit of dismay over non-completion of the approach roads before its formal opening to traffic.
Bangladesh and Kuwait government under the banner of “ Kuwait Fund” jointly financed Tk 590 crore for the bridge of which share of Kuwait Fund is Tk 372 crore.
Lawmaker Akteruzzaman Chowdhury, also the President of Chittagong South District unit Awami League, said if construction of the proposed regional highway is completed it would lessen 45 km distance from 158 km Chittagong-Cox's Bazar Road.
The bridge will save both money and time of the tourists from home and abroad who could pay visit a dozen of eye-catching tourists spots, including Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, lone coral island Saint Martin, Chimbuk hill, Dulahazara Bangabandhu Safari Park, Banskhali Eco Park and Anwara Parki Beach, said a number of tourist guides.
President of Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber & Commerce Abdus Salam stressed proper dredging and administration of the river Karnaphuli for saving navigability of the port Channel.
City Planner Engineer Ali Asharf said there is vast potentiality of the bridge but apparently we are not getting its full advantages as approach roads are not made properly.
Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, first vice-president of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturer and Exporters Association (BGMEA), thanked the prime minister for her initiatives that include inauguration of four development projects at a time in Chittagong including the bridge.
Shafiul Alam Badal, senior vice-president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the newly constructed Karnaphuli bridge would open up a new era for trade and communications linking with the proposed Asian highway.
He urged the government to shift the existing worn out Shah Amanat Bridge with its seven sets concrete pillars for protecting navigability of the river.
Nurul Alam, a leading businessman, said Karnaphuli Bridge is very essential that would open a new avenue for setting up of another industrial belt in southern Chittagong.
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