Staff Correspondent

State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and the Ministry of Railways, Habibur Rashid, MP, affirmed that the government is actively working to modernize the nation's communication network in line with its core commitments.

 He stressed that infrastructure development will be sustained under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to successfully meet public expectations. 

The State Minister made these remarks as the chief guest during a discussion meeting held on Thursday afternoon following his inspection of the Isapura and Nagarpara Balu bridges in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj.

Reflecting on the country's political transition, the State Minister alleged that during the tenure of the previous fascist regime, anyone speaking up for development or democracy faced severe suppression, including arrest, abduction, and forced disappearance. He noted that the public voted the BNP into power in the last national parliamentary election to escape fascist rule and restore democratic rights. He added that the current administration is dedicated to establishing a democratic state and fulfilling public aspirations, drawing inspiration from the lifelong struggles of late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Addressing the progress of the Kayetpara-Nagarpara and Rupganj-Isapura bridges, the State Minister acknowledged that these projects represent a long-awaited demand of the local populace. He pointed out that a certain quarter had deliberately disrupted the project workflow for various reasons, but reiterated that the current government is determined to ensure equitable development across all regions.

Speaking as a special guest, Narayanganj-1 constituency Member of Parliament, Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, highlighted that the operationalization of these two bridges would ease the commute for thousands of residents. He added that the infrastructure would minimize travel time and costs while catalyzing a highly positive impact on local agriculture, trade, and commerce. Furthermore, the opening of the Nagarpara bridge will significantly streamline and accelerate vehicular movement from Dhaka toward Rupganj and Sylhet.

The event featured an array of high-profile special guests, including State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan; SM Jilani, MP (Gopalganj-3); SM Jahangir Hossain, MP (Dhaka-18); Munshi Rofiqul Alam Mojnu, MP (Feni-1); former District BNP General Secretary Golam Faruk Khokon; and Rupganj Upazila BNP President Advocate Mahfuzur Rahman Humayun, alongside local public representatives and administrative officials. Following the discussion, the State Minister and accompanying guests visited the Tarabo Municipal Auditorium to distribute vans and goats among local beneficiaries.