Padma Bridge
Padma Bridge: Target to generate Tk 1600 crore a year in tolls
The Padma Bridge will add 1.2 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in a year by easing connectivity between the capital and Mongla and Payra ports.According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) the bridge will add Tk 42,362.21 crore to the GDP, which is equal to1.2 percent of GDP.The bridge Division of government took loans of Tk 30193 crore from the finance division which is estimated to be paid by 36 year along with 1 percent interest. The money will be collected as tolls from the vehicles that travel through the Padma Bridge.Since the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the bridge authorities have set a target of collecting a toll of Tk 133.66 crore per month. That money will be repaid in 140 installments. For this, the government wants to collect a toll of Tk1, 603.97 crore annually.
Also read: Padma Bridge to transform Bagerhat into a new economic hub
The government has already fixed toll rates on vehicles. There are two types of toll collection on the largest bridge in the country. One of these is that tolls can be paid directly. Drivers will be able to pay the toll by showing the card by recharging in advance. Vehicles do not have to stop for this at the toll plaza.The Padma Bridge Project Director Shafiqul Islam told the UNB the Padma Bridge, a biggest project ever of the country, was built with the money of the people of the country.“After the inauguration, the toll of the bridge will be collected by Korea Express Corporation and China Major Bridge Company. The government has already appointed them,” he said.Besides collecting tolls, the companies will also repay the loan of the bridge, management and maintenance works will also be done by them.Shafiqul said the money spent to construct the bridge would come up in 30 to 35 years.However, if the estimated toll collection target is achieved timely, it will be possible to collect the full cost of the bridge by 20 to 25 years.
Also read: Padma Bridge is a befitting reply to conspirators, PM tells a huge rally after its opening
Padma Bridge reflects Bangladesh’s enormous confidence under Hasina’s leadership: Nepal
Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the inauguration of Padma Multipurpose Bridge will unleash new opportunities for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh and enhance connectivity in the region.
“Completion of this new mega project reflects the enormous confidence that Bangladesh has achieved under your leadership,” he said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina who inaugurated the bridge on Saturday.
Read: Padma Bridge symbol of Bangladesh’s “economic strength, confidence”
The Nepalese Prime Minister said the bridge connects southwestern districts of Bangladesh through roads and railways with the capital and other areas of Bangladesh.
He extended his heartfelt felicitations to Prime Minister Hasina, her government and the people of Bangladesh on the completion of the Padma bridge project.
The Prime Minister became the first person to cross the Padma Bridge by paying toll.
Opening of Padma Bridge celebrated in Washington DC
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has celebrated the grand opening of long-cherished Padma Multipurpose Bridge with much enthusiasm and fanfare.
On the occasion, the Embassy organised a discussion session at its Bangabandhu Auditorium on Friday night before the grand opening of the bridge in Bangladesh on Saturday.
Taking part in the discussion, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam said the Padma Bridge is our pride and it's a symbol of our glory and self-dignity.
The Ambassador said Prime Minister and Bangabandhu's worthy daughter Sheikh Hasina has fulfilled the long-aspired dream of 180 million people of the country by completing the work of the bridge with Bangladesh's self-funding.
Read: Padma Bridge is a befitting reply to conspirators, PM tells a huge rally after its opening
The implementation of the country's largest infrastructure project has been possible due to the far-sighted and prudent decision and leadership as well as a rock-solid determination and morale of the Prime Minister by countering all the conspiracies at home and abroad, Ambassador Islam said.
He said by building the bridge, the Prime Minister has shown the whole world that Bangabandhu's Bangladesh has the capacity and capability to implement such a mega project.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of the Mission Ferdousi Shahriar delivered the welcome remarks.
World Bank (WB) Vice-President Junaid Kamal Ahmed and North Carolina Central University Professor Dr ABM Nasir took part in the discussion as special guests.
Padma Bridge is a befitting reply to conspirators, PM tells a huge rally after its opening
Basking in the success of bridging the mighty Padma River with the country’s longest bridge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it has been an appropriate reply to the conspirators.
“Through the construction of the Padma Bridge with our own funds we’ve been able to give a befitting reply to those who tried to obstruct it,” she said addressing a mammoth public meeting at Kathalbari in Shinbchar upazila under Madaripur district.
PM Hasina arrived at the meeting shortly after opening the 6.15-kilometre Padma Bridge at a colourful ceremony at its northern Mawa end. She paid a toll of Tk 750 before driving through the dream bridge, where she stood midway for moments to witness the beauty of the river’s choppy water.
The public meeting, organised by Bangladesh Awami League (AL), to mark the inauguration of the Padma Bridge turned into a human sea with hundreds of thousands of jubilant people thronging from all sides.
Also read: PM opens Padma Bridge, dedicates it to people of Bangladesh
Hasina, also the AL president, once again vowed that she is ready to make any sacrifice for the development of the country and welfare of the people.
“I am always ready to make any sacrifice to establish your rights, to change your destiny. I’ve promised it before you. If needed, I’ll sacrifice my own life for you,” she told the crowds amid thunderous clapping and chants of “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu.”
The premier said she will work to ensure a better living standard for next generations.
Noting that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had achieved independence for the people of Bangladesh, she said her government will build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla.
"I'll ensure that the children of our country will get more improved lives. It’s my promise to you,” she added.
The PM reached the rally venue at around 12:50pm after opening the double-deck road and rail bridge by unveiling the plaque and murals at both Mawa and Jajira ends.
The jubilant crowd greeted the PM chanting full-throated slogans like “Sheikh Hasina Egheye Chalo, Amra Asi Tomar Sathe” ( Go forward Hasina, we are with you).
Before her arrival at the rally, several helicopters showered colourful and glittered papers from the sky over the venue as people burst into joy.
Also read: PM Hasina opens Padma Bridge cheered by jubilant nation
People from all walks of life, leaders and activists of AL and its associate bodies had been gathering at the rally venue since early morning.
The gathering wore a festive look when people from different parts of the country, specially from the Southern districts started thronging the venue of the rally with colourful banners, festoons and AL's election symbol 'boat' since morning.
Men wearing colourful T-shirts and women sporting colourful saris carrying large portraits of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina, placards, festoons and banners came to the rally.
The venue and its adjacent areas were decorated with colourful festoons, placards, digital banners. Large screens were installed at different corners of the rally to broadcast the rally proceedings.
The stage was large and spectacular, made after the design of Padma Bridge. In front of the stage was a huge boat floating on the water adding colour to the rally.
Sheikh Hasina said she laid the foundation stone of this Padma Bridge in 2001, but BNP leader Khaleda Zia stopped the work after coming to power. Returning to power in 2009 the Awami League government restarted its work. But the BNP leaders said AL could never construct the Padma Bridge, she pointed out.
“Come and see whether Padma Bridge has been constructed,” she urged Khaleda referring to her criticism.
The PM said a section of Bangladeshis including economists and former bureaucrats remarked that the construction of the bridge was not possible with the own finance of Bangladesh.
She said her government has been able to construct the bridge with own funds as the people of Bangladesh has given her mandate and stood beside her.
Referring to the graft allegations brought by the World Bank in the Padma Bridge project, she said they didn’t provide any money but stopped funding on the plea of corruption conspiracy.
“Who has committed corruption here? The bridge is our heart and the fate of the people of our southern region is involved with the bridge. Why would there be corruption here?” she said.
When her government decided to construct this bridge, many efforts were made to dishonour and defame her and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, she said.
Besides, her economic adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain and Communications Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, were humiliated with false allegations.
Hasina said her son Sajib Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul as well as Sheikh Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq also had suffered extreme mental agonies in this regard.
“What a mental agony they put on me! But we did come back. Our goal was only that we’ll construct the bridge and change the fate of the people of the southern region,” she said.
Pointing at the people, the prime minister said, “You gave me this courage and power (to construct the bridge). I’m beside you,” she added.
She said the people of the southern region would no longer suffer and lose loved ones to cross the mighty Padma River as her government has constructed the bridge.
The economic zones will be set up in the southern region creating employment. Factories and mills will be set up. The agro-processing industries will be developed here and the people of this region will be able to export their processed goods.
“The fate of the people of at least 21 districts will be improved. We’ll be able to do it,” said premier.
PM Hasina opens Padma Bridge cheered by jubilant nation
Bangladesh wrote another golden chapter in history on Saturday when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the Padma Bridge turning the nation’s dream into a reality.
A jubilant nation cheered the prime minister as she unveiled the plaque and mural-1 at Mawa end of the 6.15-km bridge, the longest such infrastructure in the country built with own funds, at around 12 pm. A munahat was also offered.
Then the prime got on the bridge and stood midway for some time when she witnessed a spectacular fly-past displayed by Air Force to mark the gala event. Later, she drove Jajira end and unveiled the plaque and mural-2 there at 12:36pm. Another munajat was also offered there.
Later, Hasina addressed a mammoth rally at Kathalbari in Shibchar of Madaripur, which was organised by her party –Bangladesh Awami League.
READ: PM opens Padma Bridge, dedicates it to people of Bangladesh
Padma Bridge not just a structure, a dream come true: Momen
The Padma Bridge, set to be inaugurated Saturday, is not just a structure, it is a dream come true, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Friday.
"The nation is going to witness a momentous event tomorrow. This is going to be an emotional moment marking a turning point in our national life," he added.
"Building a bridge on the mighty River Padma has been a deep-rooted dream of the people as this will get our nation united I believe. But the challenges were huge. There were conspiracies from every direction," Momen said in a video message.
"All conspiracies were hatched to stop the construction of the Padma Bridge. But under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we beat all the challenges. We defeated all the conspiracies. We have achieved victory," the minister said.
On June 16, Momen said the World Bank (WB) must be "apologetic" and feel "sorry" considering that they did Bangladesh a "big injustice" by cancelling the funding for the Padma Bridge.
"There is no guarantee that big institutions (like WB) always do good things," he added.
Also read: Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
Future of Bangladesh hinges much on Padma Bridge: Joy
Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has said Padma Bridge is a symbol of pride and dignity of Bangladesh.
"Padma Bridge is not just an engineering masterpiece but a symbol of pride and dignity of Bangladesh as well. All the people of this country equally share this glory," he said Friday night sharing a video from his verified Facebook account.
Joy said the future of Bangladesh hinges much on this bridge.
This bridge has connected around one-third of Bangladesh's land area, entangled with rivers, to the capital, he said.
Consequently, Joy said, it will catalyze the local and international trades of Bangladesh.
In addition to transforming the economic footing of around 50 million people of the South-west part of the country, Joy said, it will also ensure a rise in the national income, meaning GDP, by at least 1.5%, a paradigm shift for the entire Bangladesh.
"Padma Bridge with my money, Padma Bridge for Bangladesh," he added.
Also read: PM Hasina model helps Bangladesh escape poverty: Joy
Padma Bridge to transform Bagerhat into a new economic hub
The much-cherished Padma Bridge will bring massive changes to the economy of Bagerhat, the southern district of historic sites, world heritage and white gold.
The overall economy of the district is based on agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and the Mongla Port. After the inauguration of the dream bridge, a revolutionary change will happen in the economic scenario of Bagerhat, said the stakeholders.
Farmers of the district can now send their produced vegetables all over the country using the Padma Bridge. Exporting of shrimps and activities of the Mongla Port will also be boosted.
Also read: Padma Bridge: How the nation’s dream turns into reality
People from the district said Padma Bridge will contribute to the economy of Bagerhat besides playing a crucial role in the national economy and contribute more to the country’s GDP.
Padma Bridge: US greets Bangladesh; lauds its leadership
The United States has congratulated Bangladesh on the momentous opening of the Padma Bridge scheduled Saturday.
"It is also another example of Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting regional connectivity in South Asia," said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note on Friday.
Read: Padma Bridge: How the nation’s dream turns into reality
Building sustainable transportation infrastructure to connect people and goods efficiently is important to fostering inclusive economic growth, said the US Embassy.
The Padma Bridge will create new and important linkages within Bangladesh, boosting commerce and improving the quality of life, it said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to formally inaugurate the Padma Bridge on Saturday.
Govt indulges in celebration keeping flood victims unfed, alleges Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the government is indulging in the celebration of the Padma Bridge inauguration by keeping the lakhs of flood victims in the country’s northeastern region hungry.
“Our people are starving and not getting treatment in the flood-affected areas, but they (govt) are occupied with Padma Bridge inauguration festival,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while distributing relief materials on the premises of Khazar Mokam High School in Sylhet’s Jaintiapur Upazila among the flood-affected people.
Also read: BNP turns down invitation to join Padma Bridge opening programme
Fakhrul claimed that the government allocated only Tk 60 lakh for 30 lakh flood victims in the Sylhet region while hundreds of crores of taka are being spent on the inauguration programme of the Padma Bridge.
He also said the government is arranging amusement programmes for the inauguration on Saturday while people are dying amid lack of food and relief materials in the flood-hit areas
“People are being washed away by the floods, not getting food and treatment. But the government has no attention to it. Around Tk 9 crores have been spent on making 90 toilets at Mawa for the opening programme of the bridge. If the money was given to the flood victims of Sylhet then people would not suffer so much,” the BNP leader observed.
Fakhrul together with BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku reached Sylhet from Dhaka by road at noon to witness the flood situation and distribute relief materials among the affected people.
Also read: Flood victims left in the lurch: Fakhrul
They also offered ziarat at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) before visiting the flood-hit areas.
Stating that people in Sylhet and Sunamganj are crying for relief materials to survive, the BNP leader said the government has failed to stand by the flood-hit people. “While lakhs of people are crying out for relief, the Prime Minister has completed her duty by providing relief to a few only.”
Fakhrul recalled that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia during her government in 2004 walked door-to-door and ensured relief materials at people’s doorsteps. “But the current Prime Minister visited the flood-hit area by helicopter."
“The ruling party is not standing beside the flood victims in this difficult time. Even, the Prime Minister arrived in Sylhet by helicopter and had a meeting at the Circuit House with senior officials and ministers and MPs. She only gave seven people seven packets as eyewash during her visit,” he said.
The BNP leader said the ruling party MPs are also not going to the flood victims as they are not elected with their votes. “In fact, Awami League has no relation with people.”
He alleged that Awami League taking mega projects for corruption and plundering, but it does not take any project for the welfare of the country's people.
The BNP leader said the government has snatched people's voting and other rights by 'usurping' power.
He said their party will not join any other election if it is not held under a non-party neutral government. “Just like a fox can’t be given the charge of taking care of a chicken, Sheikh Hasina can’t be given the responsibility for holding an election under her.”
Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists to get ready for waging a movement to resist the current regime and restore people’s voting rights.