PM opens Sultana Kamal Bridge

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the authorities concerned for strict monitoring of infrastructure development works of the government to ensure their completion in time.
“Issuing work order is not the final step… monitor the progress of the particular development work to ensure its completion in time,” she said while inaugurating the 'Sultana Kamal Bridge' at Demraghat in the city.
The premier said her government is monitoring each and every development work minutely for the welfare of the people.
Hasina said development in the communication sector is essential to have balanced and overall development across the country.
She directed all concerned to consider seriously about uninterrupted flow of water before planning construction of any structure.
“Sometimes it has been seen that the water transports face serious difficulties while passing under the bridges that were not constructed keeping in mind the rise of water level during the rainy season,” she also suggested.
The PM said her government puts utmost importance on the development of the communication sector as it plays a good role for the economic development of the country.
The development activities of the country were sluggish during the tenure of the previous governments, she mentioned.
“We've the responsibility to keep the wheel of development rolling and we are very sincere about doing that as the present government is in power to ensure welfare of the people,” she said.
Referring to the deplorable condition of Dhaka city, the PM said canals, beels and wetlands of the capital city have been vanished in the name of development.
The city is under threat from earthquake and the underground water level is decreasing day by day, she said, adding while undertaking development works the wetlands of the city should be preserved for the natural equilibrium.
She said the previous government had destroyed the country's jute sector, which was quite environment-friendly.
“They shut down Adamjee Jute Mills as part of closing down everything,” she said adding that the present government has taken steps to regain the lost glory of jute in the domestic and international arena.
About the persisting power crisis, she said the government has given work order for rental power plants for a quick solution of the crisis. “But this will take some time. You will get the benefit after eight months.”
On education, the PM said her government is working to set up new and quality schools around Dhaka city to provide better education outside the capital.
“If we can do this, it will be possible to provide quality education to all and there will be no more fight for enrolment in good schools,” she said.
The government has already taken steps to raise the standard of education at all levels and the result of this was seen in the HSC result, she mentioned.
Earlier, one minute's silence was observed in memory of Sultana Kamal and the martyrs of August 15, 1975 killings.
Later, the PM formally opened the bridge to traffic by unveiling the plaque and offered munajat.
The length of the bridge is 1072 metres and its width is 10 metres.
The total project cost was Tk 79.88 crore while the construction contract cost was Tk 71.87 crore. The contract period of construction was 43.72 months.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain, lawmakers Habibur Rahman Molla and Golam Dastagir Gazi were the special guests at the function, chaired by Roads and Highways Division Secretary Mohammad Mozammel Huq Khan.