|| Feasibility studies for two proposed bridges expected to be completed by September next year; Y-shaped design proposed for second Padma BridgeDesk Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the relevant ministries and agencies to expedite preparations for three major infrastructure projects — a second Padma Bridge, a second Jamuna Bridge and the Padma Barrage — with the aim of improving regional connectivity, strengthening the country's transport network and addressing long-standing water management challenges.The Prime Minister issued the directives at a meeting with officials of the concerned ministries and divisions at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.PM's Assistant Press Secretary Gazi Shahriar Pamir disclosed the information following the meeting.The proposed projects are expected to have significant implications for communication, trade, agriculture and economic activities across different regions of the country, particularly the south-western and northern districts.A major focus of the meeting was the proposed second Padma Bridge, for which officials discussed a Y-shaped connectivity system. The proposed design is intended to improve access to different areas and create additional transport links between the capital and the south-western region.According to officials at the meeting, feasibility studies for both the second Padma Bridge and the second Jamuna Bridge are currently under way. The government will make final decisions on their locations, designs and estimated construction costs after the studies are completed in September next year.The proposed second Padma Bridge is expected to ease pressure on existing transport routes and provide an alternative connection between Dhaka and the south-western districts.It could also strengthen communication with Mongla Seaport and the Benapole and Darshana land ports, potentially creating new opportunities for trade, transportation and regional economic activities.For the proposed second Jamuna Bridge, the Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on improving connectivity to Rangpur and other northern districts.The northern region has considerable agricultural and commercial potential, but transportation facilities and access to major economic centres remain important issues for its development.A second bridge over the Jamuna River could provide an additional transport corridor, making the movement of passengers and goods easier and helping farmers, traders and businesses access markets more efficiently.However, the final alignment, design, location and financial requirements of the project will depend on the findings of the ongoing feasibility studies.The Padma Barrage project also received considerable attention at the meeting.Discussions focused on addressing water shortages during the dry season, increasing agricultural production, maintaining adequate river flows and protecting the ecological balance.Officials also explored the possibility of establishing road connectivity through the proposed barrage, which could potentially serve both water-management and transportation purposes.The project is being considered in the context of the country's growing need for effective water management, particularly in areas that experience seasonal shortages and difficulties in maintaining agricultural activities.If implemented following appropriate technical and environmental assessments, the barrage could contribute to irrigation facilities, agricultural productivity and improved management of water resources.Apart from the technical aspects, the meeting discussed several important challenges associated with implementing large infrastructure projects.These included financing arrangements, land acquisition, rehabilitation of affected people and coordination among the ministries, divisions and agencies concerned.Such issues are particularly important for projects of this scale, as their successful implementation will require substantial financial resources, proper planning, environmental safeguards and cooperation among government institutions.The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam; State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam; State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid; State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad; and State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Division Md. Razib Ahsan.Senior officials present included Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Water Resources Secretary Dr AKM Shahabuddin, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Additional Secretary of the Water Resources Ministry Md Enamul Haque.Bangladesh Bridge Authority Director Md Bhikharuddaula Chowdhury, Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, Bangladesh Bridge Authority Chief Engineer Md Abul Hossain and Padma Barrage Project Director Hasan Mahmud also attended, among others.Infrastructure ambitions and the road aheadThe three proposed projects represent important areas of infrastructure planning for Bangladesh. While the two bridges are primarily intended to strengthen road connectivity, the Padma Barrage is linked to the country's long-term water management and agricultural needs.For ordinary citizens, improved connectivity could mean easier journeys, lower transportation difficulties and better access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities. Farmers and traders could also benefit from more efficient movement of agricultural products and other goods.However, the potential benefits will depend on careful feasibility assessments, realistic cost estimates, transparent financing, environmental protection and timely implementation.With the feasibility studies expected to be completed by September next year, the coming months will be important in determining the technical and financial viability of the proposed bridges.The government's next major challenge will be to translate these infrastructure plans into practical, financially sustainable projects that deliver tangible benefits to people across the country.