Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘The people of Bangladesh are proud today. Ignoring many obstacles, the Padma Bridge has been inaugurated today by breaking through the net of conspiracy. This bridge is not just a bridge, not just a structure of brick-cement-concrete, this bridge is our pride, our honour. A symbol of ability, of dignity.’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the remarks at a gathering at Mawa on Saturday (25 June) to mark the inauguration of the Padma Bridge. The Prime Minister said, ‘This bridge belongs to the people of Bangladesh. It has passion, courage, and endurance wrapped around it. Persistence of Bengali nation, and its conviction. At last, we have travelled to the path of light through the darkness. We have won.’
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘In 2009, 22 days after taking power, a consultant was appointed to design the bridge. The World Bank agreed to pay for the project. But at the instigation of the conspirators alleging corruption, the World Bank withdrew its funding. I challenged them to show evidence of corruption. We did not stop. Even famous economists made it sound like there has been corruption. A lot of lies have been spread, conspiracies had to be dealt with.’
Mentioning that the construction of the Padma Bridge was delayed for two years due to the conspiracy the Prime Minister said, ‘I did not become downcast. I did not bow my head. We announced that we will build the bridge with our own funds. The advisory committee was headed by Jamilur Reza Chowdhury. They also believed we could. Many were sceptical about building the bridge with their own funds. They thought I will live at the mercy of others all my life. I moved forward with the decision to make Bangladesh self-reliant.’
Expressing gratitude to the people, the Prime Minister said, ‘The strength of the people is a great strength. I started the construction work with this vitality. I salute the people of Bangladesh. I have lost everything – my father, my mother, my brothers – and relied on the people of this country. Many of the people wanted to pay. The money of the budget is also the money of the people.’
The Prime Minister said there were no allegations against the conspirators. ‘Those who said that it is not possible to finance it ourselves, that it is just a dream. There are no complaints against any of them. Their thoughts and self-confidence are like a daily routine. After today, their confidence will also rise and they will think that Bangladesh can. The economy has not collapsed, it is in motion. Despite COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh’s economy is active. Those who have conspired and obstructed in various ways, their good sense will rise. Patriotism will be awakened in their hearts, they will be more responsible towards the people of the country.’
Mentioning the challenge of building bridges on a turbulent river like the Padma, the Prime Minister said it is difficult to imagine the speed and path of the mighty Padma. Its implementation was difficult and challenging. No compromise was made on the quality. Maximum quality and clarity have been maintained using the latest technology and materials. The deepest piles have been used. Keeping the Padma River under control is also a challenge. The two banks have been protected by overcoming this challenge.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the Padma Bridge will contribute to regional connectivity. Once this bridge is operational, it will improve 21 districts in the southwest. The business will increase, and travel will become easier. There will be direct communication with the capital. The neglected people on the other side of the Padma will no longer be neglected. GDP will increase by 1.23%. New economic zones and hi-tech parks will be built.
Domestic and foreign investment will be attracted. The pace of industrialisation will accelerate. This bridge will play a special role in regional trade. Power plants have been set up in this area.
On the historic day of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon all to take an oath to work for the welfare of the country and the people of the country.
