Staff Correspondent:

Strong political commitment is needed to implement the Padma Barrage and a second Padma Bridge, as such large-scale infrastructure projects are only possible when there is a genuine public demand behind them, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said.

He made these remarks on Sunday (July 27 ) while speaking at a seminar titled “The Necessity of Implementing the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge,” organised by the National Committee for the Implementation of the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge at a city centre.

“Despite seven feasibility studies, no conclusive decision has yet been made, which is deeply unfortunate,” he said.

Emphasising that the impact of the Farakka Barrage is not limited to Faridpur or any specific area but affects the entire southern region of Bangladesh, Fakhrul called for urgent construction of both the barrage and the second bridge to protect the lives and livelihoods of people in the region.

Expressing concern, Fakhrul said that many areas in the southern region are becoming uninhabitable, forcing people to abandon their ancestral homes — a crisis he described as extremely serious.

“It’s a matter of survival for these people,” he added.

Calling for citizens to unite and raise their voices, Fakhrul further said that regardless of which government comes to power, they must address this critical issue.

During his speech, Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s pledge to construct the second Padma Bridge and affirmed that the party is committed to the development of the region due to its importance to people’s lives and livelihoods.

“If the people are united in their demands, any challenge can be overcome,” he said, adding, “Public unity will compel future governments to implement these projects.”

Fakhrul also said, “I understand the pulse of the people. They want development, and they want a truly democratic system. All problems can be resolved through such a democratic framework.”

Debapriya Bhattacharya, fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said that with elections approaching, political parties should include the Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge projects in their election manifestos.

“Let this demand become a national one,” he urged.

He added that the next government’s top priorities should include investments, employment, and formulating a medium-term development plan.

Debapriya called on the government to incorporate funding for these projects in the medium-term budget and the 2026–27 fiscal year budget.

The seminar was chaired by Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, former MP from Rajbari-1 and president of the organising committee.

Other speakers included Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, and BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant Shimul Biswas, among others.