Staff Reporter:
Protesters under the banners of Amra Bholabashi and Bhola Nagorik Forum blocked the Shahbagh intersection on Friday afternoon, demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barishal.
Residents of Bhola living in the capital joined the demonstration to press home a five-point demand, which also includes establishing a medical university in Bhola, setting up a public university, ensuring gas connections and providing several other facilities.
Demonstrators said the Bhola–Barishal bridge is their foremost demand, noting that improved communication between the two regions would greatly benefit thousands of people. “People from all parts of Bhola support the call for the bridge,” they added.
The protesters said they have been gathering at Shahbagh for several days to push for their demands and that Friday’s demonstration drew thousands. They urged the government to consider their demands and take prompt steps to begin construction of the bridge.
