Sheikh Hasina Bridge likely to open in June

The construction of Sheikh Hasina Bridge over the Madhumati river in Magura is expected to be completed in June.

Lakhs of people will be benefited for the bridge in Mohammadpur upazila, reducing around 40-kilometre distance with capital Dhaka, said engineer Md Rabiul Islam, adding that it would also ease communications between Dhaka and Jhenidah, Faridpur, Magura, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Barisal and partly Jessore.

Upazila Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Rabiul said the workers are working hard in two units targeting to complete the construction of 600.70 metre long and 9.80 metre wide bridge by June.

Elderly farmer Tota Mia of Jangalia village in the upazila said they would enjoy the facilities most once the bridge is opened to traffic. He said the bridge would remove difficulties he now faces in carrying crops from his lands on the other side of the river.

Moslem Mollah, 72, of the same village said they would be able to go to other side of the river for work. Besides, the bridge would ease communications with Dhaka as well as other districts in the region.

Trader Pannu Shikdar of Mohammadpur upazila town said the bridge would help expand trade and commerce in the southern districts with Dhaka.

Construction firm Max-Ranken started the work on April 10 in 2015 to complete in18 months. LGED Executive Engineer Mirza Md Iftekhar Ali said 75 per cent of the work have already been completed. He hoped that it would be completed by June.