By A P Abritty :

The implementation of the long-anticipated
Chandpur-Munshiganj District connecting Matlab-Gajaria Suspension Bridge
Project is finally moving forward.

This bridge is slated to be the country’s only long suspension bridge.

The project, which has already received approval from the Executive Committee
of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), was inspected today by a delegation
from the South Korean company providing the funding.

The delegation conducted a technical and physical inspection of the site,
viewing the entire project area via helicopter.

The South Korean representatives included Byeon, Park, Shin, and their
assistant interpreter Md. Bablu Bhuiyan.

Dr. Jalal Uddin, the BNP-nominated MP candidate for the Chandpur-2 seat,
accompanied the Korean delegation during the visit.

During a briefing after the inspection, Dr. Jalal Uddin mentioned that he had
been working toward the bridge’s realization for a long 27 years.

Many others have also worked on this project, which he described as the
country’s largest suspension bridge, he noted.

The total estimated cost for the project is approximately Taka 6,000 crore.
The cost specifically for the bridge construction is Taka 4,783 crore. The
bridge itself will be a 1.85-kilometer cable stay-based suspension bridge
over the river.

Significantly, South Korea will finance the entire construction cost at a
nominal interest rate. Dr. Jalal Uddin further added that this funding
commitment is not the final project by the Korean government, as they intend
to finance many more projects in future.

Dr. Jalal Uddin stated that once the necessary funding is secured, work will
begin immediately after the party government assumes power following the next
election.

Representing the Korean funding company, Byeon confirmed their commitment to
the undertaking. He acknowledged that the bridge is very important for the
local region.

He stated, “We are working with the government for its implementation,” and
confirmed that they had discussed the funding details thoroughly with Dr.
Jalal Uddin in a timely manner.

Local political party leaders including Dr. Anisul Awal, Professor Dr. Shamim
Ahmed, Barrister Obaidur Rahman Tipu, and Azharul Haque Mukul were also
present at the event and delivered speeches.