Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday described the Itna-Mithamoin-Astagram Highway as a ‘gift’ on behalf of the “Honourable President” in the Mujib Borsho, reports BSS, reports BSS.

“We give it as a ‘gift’ on behalf of the Honourable President in the Mujib Borsho,” she said while exchanging views virtually with the beneficiaries after inaugurating the Itna-Mithamoin-Astagram Highway from her official Ganabhaban residence.

The Prime Minister simultaneously thanked President M Abdul Hamid for taking the initiative to build such a highway, saying, “We have been able to construct the road due to his (president’s) inspiration and initiative.”

She said that it was beyond imagination that such a highway could be built in this region, adding that it was made possible due to the initiative of the President.

The premier said the sufferings of the people of the region would be erased due to construction of the highway as road connection was established with Nasirnagar of Brahmanbaria through the highway.

Mentioning that the people of the region now can go to Dhaka quickly through Nasirnagar or Bhairab, she said, “We have been able to create a wonderful communication system by constructing the highway.

The government has built 29.73-kilometre Highway having 14 bridges and 62 culverts under the Road Transport and Highways Division at a cost of Tk 874.08 crore.

The highway has connected Nasirnagar of Brahmanbaria to Sylhet and Dhaka as well as other parts of the country. A video presentation on the newly constructed highway was screened at the function. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, MP, gave the welcome speech at the function.

PM’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the function while Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division Md Nazrul Islam gave a brief presentation about the Itna-Mithamoin-Astagram Highway.

Awami League’s Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr. Abdus Sobhan Golap, MP, PMO Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Mian and PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim were present on the occasion.

President Abdul Hamid inaugurated the construction of the Itna-Mithamoin-Austagram road in his home district Kishoreganj in 2016.

The road goes straight through the vast haor area in parallel with Dhanu and Baulai rivers starting from Itna Upazila Sadar to Austagram via Mithamoin Upazila.

Almost half of Kishoreganj district, including four of its six upazilas – Itna, Mithamoin, Austagram, and Nikli – is designated as a completely haor area having a unique wetland ecosystems during the monsoon that resembles vast inland seas.

Due to the scenic beauty of the road and the vast haor area with huge water surrounding it, the place became the most desired destination for the travelers, holidaymakers and thrill-seekers before its formal inauguration. A huge number of tourists flock there regularly to have a look of the heavenly beauty.

Later, the Prime Minister exchanged views with local people who got connected virtually from Mithamoin Upazila. Local public representatives, including lawmakers, local Awami League leaders, local dignitaries and commoners of Kishoreganj district were present at Mithamoin side.