Padma Bridge opens gateway to prosperity

 
The long-cherished Padma Bridge has opened a gateway to prosperity for Bangladesh.

During the inauguration of the landmark bridge over the turbulent Padma on Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "It (Padma Bridge) is not a pile of brick and cement but a symbol of Bangladesh's pride, honor and ability.

"The bridge belongs to the people of Bangladesh. It encapsulates our passion, creativity, courage, endurance and perseverance," she continued.

The opening of the Bangladesh's longest bridge to date marks a momentous occasion in country's history.The construction of the 6.15km (3.82 miles) bridge began in November 2015 to connect 21 districts of the country's southwestern region with the capital Dhaka through road and rail, thereby cutting travel time considerably.

In 2012, the World Bank withdrew from a $1.2bn loan agreement for the project following allegations of corruption. Following suit, other donors, including Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also pulled out of the project. "The Anti-Corruption Commission investigated the allegations and found that no corruption had taken place," said Hasina. "But when a Canadian court in its verdict said there was no corruption, everyone fell silent."

After the World Bank withdrew its support as a lender, Hasina famously announced that the bridge would be constructed with Bangladesh's own funds. "After this announcement, the ordinary people stood by us. We went ahead with the strength they gave us."

She thanked people on both banks of the mighty river who gave up their land and homes to facilitate the construction of the bridge.

"Some people said we would always be beholden to others but the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also stressed the importance of self-respect. Many people made contributions with whatever means they had -- the bridge was financed by the people after all."

Dr Atiur Rahman, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, said, "The Padma Bridge has been transformed into a symbol of economic emancipation while it would contribute immensely to the southern economy of the country."

"Unthinkable changes will be brought into the society and economy of those 21 districts while people will be able to travel with ease and comfort and also in much less time through the bridge," he added.