Chattogram Citizens’ Forum Submits Memorandum Demanding Swift Construction of Kalarghat Bridge

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৭:১১ পিএম, ২০২৫-১১-১৯

Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin: “The demand is reasonable; administration will give it highest priority.” Chattogram Citizens’ Forum, led by Secretary General Md. Kamal Uddin, today, Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 1:00 PM, submitted a detailed memorandum to Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin, urging the rapid commencement and completion of the long-awaited Kalarghat road-cum-rail bridge in South Chattogram by 2028. The memorandum was handed over by the forum’s leaders at a meeting held in the conference room of the Divisional Commissioner’s office. The document highlighted the decades-long hardships of millions in South Chattogram, the humanitarian risks posed by the old, dilapidated bridge, and the potential economic losses if the new bridge is not constructed promptly.  After receiving the memorandum, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin said, “The Kalarghat road-cum-rail bridge is a lifeline for South Chattogram. Your demand is entirely reasonable and timely. Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has consistently played a visionary role in national development and improving people’s quality of life. In line with this, the government is highly committed to the Kalarghat Bridge project. You can be assured that the administration will give the highest priority to its construction, and the issues raised in your memorandum will be forwarded to the appropriate higher authorities.” He added, “We aim to advance Chattogram’s development through an integrated plan. This bridge is essential to alleviate the hardships of South Chattogram residents and unlock the region’s economic potential. The administration stands with the people.”  The memorandum outlined several urgent demands: although the bridge’s foundation was laid on 14 May 2025, actual construction has yet to begin. The forum stressed, “The foundation should not remain merely ceremonial. The neglected people of South Chattogram want to see tangible progress; therefore, a clear timeline must be announced. Administrative delays or funding issues should not hold back the project.” The forum also expressed hope that the Honorable Chief Adviser would someday visit the site, noting that he could not attend due to time constraints. Attendees at the memorandum submission included M. A. Hashem Raju, President of the Bangladesh Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission; journalists Mozahedul Islam Chowdhury, Abdul Hamid, Jasim Uddin Khandakar, Mohammad Noor, Mojibur Rahman Chowdhury, Syedul Mostofa, and Ashif; and various leaders of the Chattogram Citizens’ Forum. The memorandum stressed that the century-old iron Kalarghat Bridge is extremely risky, with thousands of vehicles and millions of passengers crossing daily under hazardous conditions. The economies of Boalkhali, Potia, Anwara, Chandanai, and other southern regions depend on this bridge. Without a new bridge, industrial transport, agricultural product movement, and commerce in the region will suffer severe losses, affecting the country’s overall GDP. The forum stated, “Chattogram is the economic engine of Bangladesh, but its southern region has long been neglected. Completion of the Kalarghat Bridge will trigger a socio-economic revolution in South Chattogram.” Md. Kamal Uddin said, “Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has already honored Chattogram by inaugurating the foundation. Now we want actual construction to begin without delay—there is no time to waste.” M. A. Hashem Raju added, “The unsafe bridge puts lives at risk daily. Building a new bridge is a matter of human rights.” The memorandum submission marks a significant step forward in the movement demanding the Kalarghat Bridge. The forum hopes that coordinated efforts by the administration and government will allow the bridge to be inaugurated by 2028. Citizens of Chattogram now feel, “The Kalarghat Bridge is no longer just a dream—it is becoming a reality.” After the submission, M. A. Hashem Raju said, “The Kalarghat Bridge is not merely a development project; it concerns the basic rights and safety of South Chattogram residents. We trust the Honorable Chief Adviser will prioritize it.” Forum leaders added, “Today’s memorandum is an important milestone in our long-standing campaign. The Divisional Commissioner listened to our demands with great sincerity, which gives us hope. We now urge that administrative processes move swiftly and construction begins immediately. The people of Chattogram expect the bridge to be operational by 2028. We will continue our movement, but it is the government’s genuine efforts that will turn this dream into reality.”