Speakers at a citizen dialogue titled 'Dakkhiner Janalay Joyutsob' here on Thursday said industrialists, businessmen and entrepreneurs will come forward for setting up huge industries including Jute, Shrimp project and Garments in the country's south-western zone after opening the Padma Bridge.
"With the opening of the Padma Bridge, the fortunes of farmers, fishermen, traders of country's 21 S-W zone will take a quantum leap," they said at the dialogue held at journalist Humayun kabir Balu auditorium in Khulna Press Club.
Jointly organized by Khulna Press Club (KPC) and Khulna Journalists Union (KUJ), the function was addressed by deputy commissioner of Khulna Md Moniruzzaman Talukder as chief guest.
Chaired by KPC President S M Nazrul Islam, the dialogue was also addressed, among others, by Khulna City unit Awami League general secretary MDA Babul Rana, president of Khulna Lawyers Association advocate Saiful Islam, Vice-President of Frozen Foods Exporters Association Humayun Kabir, Professor of Civil Engineering Department of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Dr Ataur Rahman, President of Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC) Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, executive Director of Rupantor, an NGO, Swapon Guha, ex-KPC presidents Mokbul Hossain Mintu and S M Zahid Hossain.
Executive director of Sundarban Academy professor Anwarul Kadir conducted the programme while KUJ President Faruk Ahmed screened the keynote paper.
The speakers said with the inauguration of the bridge on June 25, farmers will be able to transport fresh fish and vegetables to the Dhaka kitchen markets within the shortest possible time. Lauding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for establishing the country's longest bridge with country's own money, the speakers urged the countrymen for celebrating the Padma Bridge opening day.
