BAGERHAT, June 19, 2022 (BSS) - The much-awaited Padma Bridge has already heralded a new horizon in economic and infrastructural development in the country's south-western coastal district, changing the people's traditional lifestyle, booming a new door for tourism here.
 
"The direct communication of the country's southern part with the capital through the Padma Bridge will accelerate the economic and infrastructural development in the backward region," Bagerhat Chamber of Commerce President Liakat Hossain Liton told BSS.
 
Along with resolving the age-long problems, industrial factories will be set up in this region now that can play a vital role in eliminating unemployment, he said.

He added that along with Bagerhat, this bridge (Padma Bridge) will change the outlook of the whole southern region.
 
The scenario of the literally underdeveloped district hemmed with greenery, however, is seen changing even before the opening of Padma Bridge, creating an opportunity for collecting more revenue income and developing the agriculture, education and health sectors as well.
 
Custodian of Shat Gombuj Mosque (Sixty Dome Mosque) Museum Md Zayed said this district is a city of archaeological resources and antiquities where the world heritage sites like Sundarbans, Sixty Dome Mosque, Khanjahan Ali (R.) shrine and Dighi (lake), Ayodhya Math and other medieval architectures like Morel Smriti are located.
 
According to the Archaeological and Eastern Sundarbans Department, about two and a half lakh domestic and foreign tourists visit here every year, he said, hoping that after the Padma Bridge opens, the number of visitors will double, ushering a new dawn in tourism.
 
Tariqul Islam, a young shrimp farmer, said it will be easier to supply the fishes and vegetables cultivated in the district to Dhaka due to the Padma Bridge while the fish and vegetable farmers in the region will get benefit.
 
Vehicles carrying fishes and vegetables had to be stuck on the banks of the Padma River for hours due to traffic jams and ferry complications, he said, adding, "Now all of these goods will reach the capital and northern districts of the country as well without any interruption".
 
Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bagerhat unit General Secretary and Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad leader Dr Mosharef Hossain said specialist doctors generally didn't want to come to the hospitals in Bagerhat due to the poor communication system.
 
As a result, general people were being deprived of better health services, he said, adding but now they (doctors) could go to Dhaka within a short time as the Padma Bridge is going to open on June 25.
 
Mosharef, also Bagerhat Clinic Association president, said, "So now they (physicians) will not be reluctant to come here. Besides, the supply of essential medicines will be easier in a short time".
 
Noting that critical patients would be able to go to Dhaka fast to get better treatment, he said.

The bridge will gear up an unprecedented development in the health sector like other sectors, he added.
 
Bus Owners' Association President Sheikh Nazrul Islam Mantu said with the opening of the Padma Bridge, Bagerhat will have direct road connectivity with Dhaka for the first time.
 
"Owners of reputed transports are taking preparations in a new way. They are now interested in launching transport services in the region including the Dhaka-Bagerhat route," he said.
 
After opening the Padma Bridge, the distance from Dhaka to the Bagerhat will be 172 kilometers, Mantu said, adding, now the people of this district can go to Dhaka in just three and a half hours.
 
Retired Professor of Government PC College Mozaffar Hossain said, "We had to wait at least 2 to 4 hours to cross the Padma River by ferry at Mawa Ghat. It took about 7-8 hours to reach Dhaka. But, after launching the Padma Bridge, there will be no more trouble for communicating with Dhaka - this is a relief".
 
In fact, after opening the bridge, the country's southern region, including Bagerhat will regain its prosperity and enthusiasm, he said, adding the unprecedented progress in education will be witnessed.
 
Various types of educational institutions including colleges, medical colleges and universities will be established here under private initiative, Hossain said, adding students will be able to pursue higher education at a relatively low cost without sufferings.
 
Bagerhat District Policy Forum and cultural organization Gitanjali President Babul Sardar said, "This bridge is a symbol of our dignity. It is our pride".
 
With the opening of the Padma Bridge, revolutionary changes will take place in all fields including agriculture, education, trade, infrastructure, communication system and life and livelihood, he said.
 
"Simultaneously, it will have a positive impact on our art, literature and cultural arena," Sardar, also former Bagerhat Press Club president, added.