Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan. File Photo

BARISHAL, Dec 07, 2025(BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan today said that whoever wins in the upcoming national election, we, as a nation, will stand beside them.

“Our only expectation is that the election will take place in a festive and peaceful environment. No one should be able to capture polling centers like before. The Election Commission will now conduct the election independently,” he added.

The adviser made these remarks while responding to various queries from journalists after laying foundation stone of the much-desired Mirganj Bridge over the river Arial Kha in Babuganj upazila of the district.

Talking about the bridge, he said that due to various obstacles; the construction works of the bridge was delayed, which also caused the project cost to rise.

He said that the bridge would help contribute to economic revitalization, increase social harmony and promote development of the industries and agriculture sectors of the area.

During the event, Shipping Adviser Dr M. Sakhawat Hossain said that the people of the region would greatly be benefitted once the bridge is constructed. 

He urged the locals to stay vigilant so that there is no corruption such as “pond theft” or “river theft” during the bridge construction. 

He emphasized that the work should be done with honesty, keeping public trust in mind. He warned that if the contractors are awarded various tasks improperly, it may cause local issues and negatively affect the construction quality. 

Approximately 1.5-kilometer-long bridge would be constructed over the Arial Kha River at Mirganj under Babuganj upazila with an estimated cost of Taka 1,442 crore. Construction work is expected to begin in January next year.

The foundation stone laying program was also attended, among others, by Divisional Commissioner of Barishal Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Barishal Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, senior officials from the Roads and Highways Department and various political, social and local dignitaries.

People of Babuganj, Muladi and Hijla upazilas had long demanded the construction of this bridge and now that dream is finally becoming a reality.