Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the much-awaited Padma Multi Purpose Bridge for vehicular movement, bringing a massive progress in road connectivity of 21 south and southwestern districts with capital Dhaka and other major cities from today (Sunday). She initiated the process of giving toll to cross the Padma Bridge, soon after opening it to the traffic and became the first person to cross the Padma Bridge by paying toll.
Country’s people celebrated the memorable and historic grand gala inauguration ceremony of the dream bridge and witnessed the history as it has opened up new horizon in the country’s communication sector. From today, the people of southwestern region will drive straight to Dhaka by road, leaving the awful nightmare of ferry ghat, as they will now cross the river in just six minutes over the bridge.
This super structure will end the long-standing
sufferings of the people of the region and fuel
economic growth of the country
More than a million people crowded into Mawa point in Munshiganj to see the inauguration of the bridge. Besides, people in thousands joined the mammoth public rally of Awami League marking the much-awaited Padma Bridge inauguration at Kathalbari ghat of Shibchar upazila where Sheikh Hasina also addressed the rally.
The bridge is not just a brick-cement-steel-iron made concrete infrastructure, Sheikh Hasina said, adding this bridge is a symbol of our pride, our honour and ability. By constructing Padma Bridge with own fund after eliminating all conspiracies, Bangabandhu’s daughter has proven Padma Bridge is not merely a bridge of pride or one of the longest bridges in the world but also it is a symbol of our (economic) capacity.
On this historic occasion, we also express our deep gratitude to the people involved with construction of Padma Bridge, including project authority, consultants, contractors, workers, and army personnel who provided security.
The implementation of this bridge has given us the courage to stand high with confidence across the globe as a symbol of wealth management, transparency, accountability and efficiency.
The Padma Bridge will serve as an economic lifeline for the people of the southern part of the country. It will contribute to socio-economic development including trade, connectivity to South Asia and the expansion of agricultural development.
This super structure will end the long-standing sufferings of the people of the region and fuel economic growth of the country. We express our firm conviction that Bangladesh will never bow down to any pressure rather the country will move ahead with the strength of people.
None can stop the indomitable pace of the country’s advancement as it has become a “role model” of development before the world. Therefore, we believe Bangladesh will be moving forward continuously at an indomitable pace under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter.
