THE JAMUNA BRIDGE IN BANGLADESH

Once upon a time,the construction of Jamuna. Bridge was a dream for the people of Bangladesh.But now it is constructed and has created a new epoch in the transport and communication system of Bangladesh. It is the 11th largest bridge in the world. It has connected the eastern region of the country with the western region.After the independence of Bangladesh it is the greatest achievement for us.It also amilestone in the history of economic development of the country.

The history of jamuna Bridge is long.The idea for a multipurpose bridge was first conceived in the early sixties. Then in 1972 a number of technical and feasibility surveys were undertaken by Japan international Co-operation Agency (JICA).They flashed the result of their surveys in 1976 . Then Petro-Bangla took a project of surveys region of Bangladesh in 1982. They proposed to construct a bridge over the Jamuna.In June1984,the government decided to construct Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge.

The probable expenditure for its construction was estimated at Tk.3603 crore.It was supposed to be complete by 1994.The sources of the fund are IDB,ADB and OICF(Japan) Among the total fund. IDB,ADB and Japan supplied Tk.800 crore each. The rest of the money was supplied from our local fund.

The actual physical work of the bridge began on October 16, 1994. It took about 44 months to complete the bridge.It is six months more than the target. The bridge is 4.8 kilometre long and 18.5 metre wide. There are 121 piles, 508 pillars, 49 spans and1263 deck segments in the bridge.Each pile is 81-93 metre long.It needed 1.10 million cubic-metre stone to complete the bridge. The bridge was designed for 100 years. The construction was complete on June 20, 1998.

A well- developed transport and communication system plays a vital role in the socio-economic progress of a country.Jamuna Bridge is constructed in this respect. Now the communication is so easy.It has reduced transport fees.Natural gas has reached the door of the people of north-west region of Bangladesh. Moreover easy transport system influences our agriculture and industrial sectors.Again, it is situated on the Asian Highway. So it consolidates national and international integrity. It is also a high source of income of Bangladesh government.

The importance of Jamuna Bridge is beyond description. It has created a new epoch in our communication.Our government is trying to make it a tourist centre. We all should help our government

in this respect.