Transport Minister orders fast-track of bridge, rail projects

Transport Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday directed officials to uphold professionalism and transparency in executing bridge, railway and shipping projects, stressing quality implementation and timely completion of public infrastructure works.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam, who has recently taken charge as Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and is also overseeing the Railways and Shipping ministries, made the remarks while visiting the Bridges Division and Bangladesh Railways at Setu Bhaban in Banani, Dhaka.

“Everyone should work with honesty and transparency, maintaining discipline and wisdom,” he told officials during his inspection visit, according to a ministry release.

The minister emphasised that all ongoing public welfare-orientated projects must maintain construction standards and adhere to stipulated timelines. He said infrastructure quality and accountability are essential to reducing public suffering and strengthening the country’s transport network.

“The country is above all. We must ensure a sustainable communication system to reduce public sufferings,” he said, describing the current administration as a people-centric government committed to national development.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid festival, Sheikh Rabiul Alam instructed officials to take necessary measures to ensure smooth and safe journeys for passengers across road, rail and bridge networks. Eid travel management remains a key operational priority for transport authorities due to heavy passenger movement nationwide.

The minister also held a meeting with senior officials of the Bridges Division and Bangladesh Bridges Authority. Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority Mohammad Abdur Rouf presided over the session.

At the beginning of the programme, the Bridges Division secretary delivered a presentation outlining current activities and future development plans. Officials briefed the minister on ongoing mega projects, infrastructure expansion and new initiatives in the pipeline.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf reaffirmed the division’s commitment to transparency in all development activities and said project teams would work to complete ongoing works within schedule while maintaining improved service standards.

Senior officials of the Bridges Division, directors of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority, project directors, chief engineers and other concerned authorities attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Railways Ministry Secretary Md Fahimul Islam paid a courtesy call on the minister and provided updates on ongoing railway modernisation initiatives, priority projects and future expansion plans.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam instructed railway officials to work in a coordinated manner to accelerate development and modernisation of railway services, signalling a policy focus on integrated transport reform and infrastructure governance.

The minister’s directives highlight the government’s emphasis on infrastructure efficiency, project accountability and sustainable connectivity as part of its broader development agenda.