Photo: BSS

COX’S BAZAR, April 16, 2026 (BSS) – Bridges Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf today said the government will start the construction of a long-cherished bridge on Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali channel.

He said this at a views-exchange meeting with relevant stakeholders regarding the construction of a proposed bridge or tunnel on the Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali water route in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here. 

During the meeting, preliminary discussions were held on the construction of the Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali bridge, considering various aspects such as the economy, tourism, environment, and river management.

Abdur Rouf said that Maheshkhali Island is separated from the mainland due to the Maheshkhali Channel. 

This coastal island has the potential to develop into an important commercial and industrial hub of the country; he said adding that several development projects are currently underway on the island, including a coal-based power plant and a deep-sea port. 

Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan chaired the meeting while Zila Parishad Administrator ATM Nurul Bashar Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Imran Hossain Sajib, along with officials from relevant departments and prominent individuals from Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali joined the meeting.

Later, the bridges secretary visited the primary alignment of the proposed project .