Ctg residents celebrate Kalurghat Bridge foundation laying

Joy swept across Boalkhali and the wider South Chattogram region as the long-awaited dream of a new Kalurghat Bridge moved one step closer to reality.

The Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus officially laid the foundation stone of the new Kalurghat Bridge on Wednesday (14 May) — marking a historic milestone for millions in the region.

To celebrate this monumental occasion, the Boalkhali Kalurghat Bridge Implementation Council and Boalkhali Citizens' Society organised a jubilant procession this morning (15 May).

The march began from the western end of the existing bridge and concluded at the eastern bank, drawing participation from hundreds of elated residents.

A short gathering followed, presided over by Mustafa Nayeem, joint convenor of the Implementation Council, and moderated by journalist Mohammad Ali.

Speakers expressed profound gratitude to chief adviser, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and all others involved in making this long-cherished project a reality.

They recalled the tragic consequences of the previous lack of a road bridge, including heart-wrenching incidents where critically ill patients died en route to Chattogram city due to delays at the bridge crossing.

Tributes were paid to those early activists and supporters of the bridge movement who are no longer alive to witness this day of joy.

"After decades of struggle, our dream is finally taking shape. This bridge will not only ease transportation but usher in a new era of industrial development, boost tourism, and transform the socio-economic landscape of Boalkhali and Patiya," speakers said.

They urged relevant government departments to expedite construction and ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible.

The gathering also made a heartfelt appeal to mosque committees and imams across Boalkhali to offer prayers of gratitude during Friday Jumu'ah prayers.

Additionally, members of other faiths were invited to include the successful completion of the Kalurghat Bridge in their prayers.

The event concluded with a special prayer, invoking blessings for a smooth and successful construction journey ahead.

The event featured speeches from a diverse panel including columnist and publisher Syed Zakir Hossain, journalist Manzur Morshed, engineer Iqbal Hossain, and political and civic leaders such as Shahidullah Chowdhury, SM Selim, Mohammad Rafique, Haji Abu Akhtar, ANM Elias, Nurul Absar, Fayaz Meher, Ibrahim Talukder, Golam Hossain Nannu, and Ibrahim Chowdhury Manik.