ZCZC
BSS-09
PM-RAIL-COMMUNICATION-2 LAST DHAKA
The Prime Minister came down heavily on the BNP as they tried to stop the railway communication to give their men scope to do transportation business.
She said BNP had stopped many railway stations and gave ‘golden handshake’ to over 10,000 skilled workers of the railway as their move to stop the railway communication.
“The then BNP government was almost going to strangulate the railway to death. After assuming office in 1996, we gave life to it. Now, people are depending on the railways the most,” she added.
The premier praised the railway as it has been giving the highest service in case of transportation of goods and passengers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Describing Japan as a true friend of Bangladesh, she said that Japan always extends its hand wholeheartedly to support the government’s efforts to ensure overall development of the country and hoped for its continued support in the days to come.
Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, MP, and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, ITO Naoki spoke at the function from the Tangail and Ganabhaban ends respectively.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and local lawmakers were also present on the occasion.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the function from the Ganabhaban end while Secretary of Railways Ministry Md. Salim Reza gave a welcome address.
Earlier, a video documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge was screened on the occasion.
According to the project details, contractors concerned have already started preliminary works of the bridge while construction of the main construction will start today.
The main bridge will be constructed under two packages. Two separate agreements have already been signed with Obayashi-TOA-JFE, Japan and IHI-SMCC JV, Japan for eastern and western part of civil works respectively.
As per the agreements, land was handed over to the both contractors in July this year. Through the new bridge, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 kmph on broad gauge line and 100 kmph on meter gauge track. After the construction of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, 88 trains will be able to run.
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
BSS/AHJ/GA/1512 hrs