Maulana Bhashani Bridge over Teesta River inaugurated

The long-awaited Haripur–Chilmari ‘Maulana Bhashani’ Bridge over the Teesta River in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday (August 20).

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives of the interim government, inaugurated the 1,490-meter-long and 9.6-meter-wide bridge — the largest in LGED’s history.

Constructed at a cost of Tk 885 crore, the bridge was funded by the Saudi government and implemented by China State Construction Engineering Limited. It is supported by 80 km of connecting roads, 58 box culverts, and 9 RCC bridges.

Originally initiated by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in 2014 via video conference, the project faced repeated delays and was completed after 11 years.

The bridge is expected to significantly reduce transport costs and travel time between Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Bhurungamari land port—cutting distances by up to 100 kilometers. It is also projected to boost trade, agriculture, and tourism in the northern districts.

Despite its benefits, the naming of the bridge has sparked local criticism. Residents had demanded it be named after freedom fighter Sharitullah Master, who had long campaigned for the project.

However, the government finalised the name as ‘Maulana Bhashani Bridge, Gaibandha’ via an official notice on August 10.