‘The Padma Bridge is a blessing to us all': Jaya Ahsan

Today, the dream of a nation was finally fulfilled. After many years of anticipation, today the Padma Bridge has finally been opened to the public. The bridge will be an economic corridor, built over the mighty Padma River to connect 21 districts of the south-western region with the rest of the country. This will enable Bangladesh to expand further economically and many people throughout the country are excited for the bridge to finally be open.

Along with everyone, celebrities have also expressed their own thoughts and opinions on the opening of this wonderful bridge. Noted actress Jaya Ahsan told The Daily Star, "If I had to express my feelings in one word, it would be pride. In the same manner that we should pride ourselves as Bengalis, we should also be proud of the Padma Bridge. This success was only possible due to the talent, courage, perseverance and honesty of our Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Because of this bridge, the world will get to know Bangladesh better. That is why I would like to thank our Honourable Prime Minister and express my gratitude for her."

The actress went on to add, "The Padma is the queen of rivers in Bangladesh. I have many memories that are intertwined with the Padma River. My grandfather's house was in Gopalganj, so whenever I visited my grandfather, I would have to cross the Padma River. There are many memories from my childhood that are centred around the Padma River. I distinctly remember its beautiful waves, which I would see on my way to Gopalganj, and then when I was returning to Dhaka. I had not seen the sea as a child, so I would think that this river was the sea."

Talking about how the completion of the bridge would change the future of the country, Jaya Ahsan said, "The Padma Bridge will not only be a blessing on the lives of people from the Southern districts of the country, rather it will be a blessing on the lives of everyone."