The government has decided to construct a highway on the Rahmatpur-Hijla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route to connect the island district of Bhola with the country’s main road network.

The decision was made at a meeting on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

At the meeting, three proposals were discussed to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola and Dhaka and Barishal. The route proposed by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) was selected.

Under the plan, a highway will be constructed along the route to connect Bhola with the country’s main road network.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stressed the need for an integrated road network to remove geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand opportunities for trade and commerce.

He directed the authorities concerned to expedite the initiative.

Project officials said the proposed route would require widening existing roads, constructing new roads and building three small bridges. The feasibility and viability of the project will be assessed quickly.

Once implemented, the project will establish direct road connectivity between Bhola and Barishal, Dhaka and other parts of the country. This is expected to reduce both travel time and costs, officials said.

Surrounded by rivers, Bhola has long depended on waterways for transportation. The new road connection is expected to reduce that dependence.

Officials at the meeting said the route would offer significant savings in distance, time and cost. It could particularly become an effective alternative route for connectivity between Bhola and Dhaka and Barishal.

Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Shipping Ministry and Bridges Division State Minister Rajib Ahsan, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rauf and Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, among other senior officials from the relevant departments, attended the meeting.