Political commitment key to Padma Barrage, 2nd bridge implementation: Fakhrul

Strong political will is needed to build the Padma Barrage and a second Padma Bridge, as such large infrastructure projects are only possible when there is real public demand, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He made these remarks today (27 July) at a seminar titled "The Necessity of Implementing the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge," organised by the National Committee for the Implementation of the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge at a city centre.

Mirza Fakhrul said the lives and livelihoods of nearly 80 million people are directly linked to these two projects.

"Despite seven feasibility studies, no final decision has been made yet, which is very unfortunate," he said.

Fakhrul repeated BNP's promise to build the second Padma Bridge. He affirmed that the party is committed to developing the region because of its importance to people's lives and livelihoods.

"If the people stand united in their demands, any challenge can be overcome," he said. "Public unity will force future governments to implement these projects."

Debapriya Bhattacharya, fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said that with elections coming up, political parties should include the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge projects in their election manifestos.

"Let this demand become a national one," he urged.

He added that the next government should focus on investments, employment, and creating a medium-term development plan.

Debapriya also called on the government to include funding for these projects in the medium-term budget and the 2026–27 fiscal year budget.

The seminar was chaired by Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, a former MP from Rajbari-1 and president of the organising committee.

Other speakers included Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party; Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon; and Shimul Biswas, special assistant to the BNP Chairperson, among others.