Bangladesh
Bangabandhu Tunnel South Asia's first tunnel is being launched in Chittagong tomorrow
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, 28 October 2023: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the much awaited multilane underwater expressway Bangabandhu Tunnel on Saturday 28 October. On this day, she will address a public meeting at the Korean EPZ (KEPZ) ground in Chittagong's Anwara after inaugurating the tunnel.
As per the programme, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate South Asia's first tunnel by unveiling a plaque on the west bank of Karnaphuli river at Patenga after 10 am and another plaque on the south bank of Anwara river at 11 am after crossing the tunnel. On this day, the Prime Minister will also release a special commemorative postage stamp, inauguration day envelope and a special seal to mark the inauguration of the road tunnel under the first river. The tunnel, however, will be opened for vehicular traffic from October 29.
After the inauguration of the tunnel, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a public meeting at the Korean EPZ (KEPZ) ground in Anwara. Chittagong South District Branch of Awami League is organizing a rally on this occasion. It is expected that a large number of people including the leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League and allied organizations will attend. The dream of millions of residents of the country's commercial capital and port city is going to come true with the opening of this tunnel. The first tunnel in South Asia under the Karnaphuli River will elevate Bangladesh to a new height in the world.
Project Director Md. Harunur Rashid Chowdhury said that the tunnel will make Chittagong city 'two cities into one city' and it will boost the country's economy. It will open new doors of immense potential for industrialization and expansion of trade and will improve road connectivity throughout the region by expanding the perimeter of the city.
The tunnel will reduce the road distance between Chittagong and Cox's Bazar and facilitate the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to access the port city and other parts of Chittagong division. It connects Chittagong Port and Anwara Upazila and is expected to facilitate connectivity between Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. This will also reduce the traffic congestion of the two bridges over the Karnaphuli river.
