PM opens much-awaited Bangabandhu tunnel

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurate the much-anticipated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel constructed beneath the Karnaphuli River.

She first unveiled a plaque on the west bank of river Karnaphuli at Patenga. After crossing the tunnel with her motorcade, she unwrapped another plaque at the south bank of the river at Anwara.

The nearly 10km-long tunnel, including approach road, constructed beneath river Karnaphuli between Patenga and Anwara upazila which was built at a cost of Tk 10,374 crore will be opened to vehicles from 6am on Monday.

It would connect the proposed Asian Highway with Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway by reducing distance by 40km.

The prime minister will also open and lay foundation stones of some projects in Chattogram on Saturday, and release a special commemorative postage stamp, opening day envelope and a special seal marking the inauguration of the first ever underwater road tunnel.

Sheikh Hasina, also Awami League president, will address a public rally on Korean EPZ (KEPZ) ground at Anwara as a huge number of people including leaders and workers of the ruling Awami League and associate bodies are expected to attend it.

/KN/