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BSS-13
PM-VISIT-PADMA BRIDGE
Befitting reply awaits Padma Bridge “conspirators”: PM
MAWA, Munshiganj, Oct 14, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today
said the quarters who hatched a conspiracy over the construction of the Padma
Bridge now awaited a befitting reply as the landmark structure was set to be
erected completely eventually with completion of its 60 percent works.
“We will give them a befitting reply who wanted to tarnish Bangladesh’s
image and obstruct its development pace and economic progress by raising
corruption allegations into the project,” she said while addressing a civic
rally near the Padma Bridge Toll Plaza at Mawa end after unveiling the name
plaque of the structure.
The premier said the countrymen also needed to know about the “insult and
intimidation we had to suffer for the bridge as the conspirators tried to
belittle us” nationally and in the international arena.
“Some citizens of our country who have no patriotism and obligation to the
people were involved with that conspiracy,” she said adding her government
had to overcome many obstacles and tolerate slanders which even affected her
family members’ reputation.
But, the premier said, all those allegations were finally proved false in
a case with a Canadian federal court.
Sheikh Hasina unveiled the name plaque of the bridge coinciding with the
completion 60 percent work of the Padma Bridge and opening the construction
work of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project’ and 1300 meter
permanent river bank protection work in Mawa-Kandipara-Jasholdia area.
Bangladesh has lost two years from the implementation period of the Padma
Bridge project for Dilly-dallying of the World Bank and many people including
some of our countrymen came to believe that Bangladesh will not be able to
implement the project without World Bank financing, the prime minister said.
“Only Malaysian former prime minister assured of giving help, sending his
advisor to make a profile of the project,” she said.
“But as my father, I have profound faith in strength of the people of
Bangladesh and I firmly believe that they are my great helper. Being inspired
by the people and being confident on their strength, we had undertaken the
mega project,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to the people of the country as they
extended their support to her decision and gave courage to construct the
project with own fund.
“I have nothing to gain from politics as I only do politics to bring smile
on Bangladesh people’s face,” she added.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader presided over the
function, while Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed and Railways Minister
Md Mazibul Hoque spoke on the occasion.
Terming the Padma Bridge as a “Bridge of Pride”, the prime minister said
the bridge is being constructed with most modern technologies and materials.
Motor vehicles will ply on its upper deck and train will run on the lower
deck,” she said.
MORE/BSS/SH/AKH/GMR/1504 hrs