Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has approved a plan to build a highway along the Barishal-Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route, aiming to connect the island district of Bhola to the country's main road network.

The decision was taken at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon today, according to a PMO press release.

The meeting reviewed three proposals for direct road connectivity between Bhola and Dhaka and other parts of the country, including Barishal. The Roads and Highways Department's proposed Barishal-Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route was selected later.

The project will involve widening existing roads along the corridor, constructing new road sections and building three bridges. Officials said a feasibility study and implementation assessment would now be carried out on a priority basis.

If implemented, the highway is expected to provide direct road access between Bhola and the rest of the country, cutting travel time and transport costs.

Bhola, an island district surrounded by rivers, has long relied on waterways for communication and transport.

At the meeting, the prime minister stressed the importance of an integrated road network to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and boost trade and commerce. He instructed the authorities concerned to expedite the initiative.

Officials said the selected route offers advantages in terms of distance, travel time and cost, and could serve as an alternative road link between Bhola and other parts of the country.

The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam; State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Rajib Ahsan; Prime Minister's Special Assistant Md Shakirul Islam Khan; Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque; Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf; and RHD Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman.