"Khaleda said Padma Bridge won't be constructed; come see for yourself"

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (June 25, 2022) asked BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to come and see the Padma Bridge for herself.

The Prime Minister this said while delivering her speech at 1:09 pm at the rally organised by the ruling Awami League at Shibchar of Madaripur.

Hasina said that when she was in office she laid the foundation of the Padma Bridge in 2001 but the BNP Chairperson stopped the Padma Bridge construction work.

"Khaleda said Padma Bridge will not be constructed. I want to ask her to come and see whether Padma Bridge has been completed," PM said.

Many people said it will not be possible to construct the bridge with Bangladesh's own funds. "The power of the people always prevails. Do you believe in it?"

Lauding people for their support during the construction of the bridge, PM said, "You gave us the courage, you gave us the power… I'm ready to sacrifice myself for you. If needed, I will sacrifice my life." She then shouted the slogan "Joy Bangla! Joy Bangabandhu!", as thousands of people joined her.

Earlier, the Prime Minister reached the venue at Kathalbari Ferry Ghat in Madaripur on the occasion of inaugurating the Padma Bridge.

Before arriving at the rally venue, several helicopters showered colourful confetti from the sky at the venue as people burst into joy. 

PM took seat on the spectacular stage amid several thousands of people clapping and shouting the slogan "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu".

In response, PM waived at the people.

People from all walks of life and leaders of AL and its associate bodies began gathering at the rally venue since early morning.

Due to hot weather many people were seen taking shelter at sheds at the nearby roads instead entering at the rally venue.

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.

The rally venue has been surrounded by a large number of members of law enforcement agencies. The stage and its adjacent areas are being monitored by CCTV cameras.

Large screens have been installed at different corners of the rally to broadcast the rally proceedings.

A large spectacular stage, 150 feet long and 40 feet wide, was built in the style of Padma Bridge at the rally venue.

A huge boat is floating on the water right in front of the stage. The stage was made by placing 10 spans on 11 pillars next to it.