“Padma Bridge not part of Belt and Road Initiative”

Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it has noticed that some quarters are trying to portray that the Padma Multipurpose Bridge – scheduled to be opened on June 25, 2022 – has been constructed with the assistance of foreign funds and is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically asserts that the Padma Multipurpose Bridge has been entirely funded by the Government of Bangladesh and no foreign funds from any bilateral or multilateral funding agency has financially contributed to its construction," it said today.

It said both Bangladeshi and foreign construction firms were engaged for the implementation of the project.

The completion of this bridge will fulfill the long-cherished dream of the nation for connecting the 19 south-western districts with the rest of the country resulting in collective prosperity, socioeconomic development of Bangladesh as well as enhanced regional connectivity, the foreign ministry said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs earnestly hopes that all friends of Bangladesh will join hands in celebrating the completion of this landmark project of Bangladesh which is all the more special since it has been done entirely by the contribution of the people and the Government of Bangladesh.