Padma Bridge a symbol of nat’l pride

Describing the Padma Bridge as the symbol of national pride, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said no one can raise questions about the quality of the bridge which opens on Saturday.

"We have not compromised on the construction standards of the Padma Bridge. It has been built using the world's latest technology and materials. The total construction process has been completed maintaining the highest standards," she said.

The PM was speaking at a press conference at her office in the capital.

Citing remarks of some critics of the government over the bridge issue, Hasina said, "I hope no one can raise any criticism of the quality of the Padma Bridge."

Replying to a question, she said Bangladesh got back its dignity with the construction of its longest bridge with its own funds in a brave move after the World Bank withdrew from the project.

"I thank them [World Bank]. Because we constructed the Padma Bridge with our own funds with courage after that incident took place."

The premier said Bangladesh will never bow down to any pressure, rather it will march forward with the strength of the people.

Hasina said the government has constructed the bridge overcoming all conspiracies and obstacles. She thanked the country's people and expressed gratitude to them for standing by her government.

Talking about the cost of the bridge, Hasina said as per the revised DPP, the total allocation is Tk 30,193.39 crore, but the allocation for the main bridge is Tk 12,133.39 crore (including Tk 1,000 crore for installation of 400-KV electricity transmission line and gas pipeline).

She explained the reasons behind the rise in project cost. Those include increasing the length of the bridge from 5.8 km to 6.15 km, changing the design to keep the scope for river vessel movement under its 37 spans, incorporating steel structures instead of concrete ones and enhancing the depth of the piling works.

The rise in the cost for rehabilitation of the people who lost land to the project and compensation against acquired land are also among other reasons.

The PM said her government takes up every project following proper assessment of the returns. Though the World Bank cancelled its funding for the Padma Bridge project, Bangladesh has been able to get the fund back for other projects, she added.

Lambasting those who criticised the government for construction of the bridge with own funds, Hasina said they have a lack of self-confidence. "But I am the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I say what I can do. Inshallah, I must do what I say."

Responding to a question over the construction of a second Padma bridge between Manikganj and Rajbari, the PM said its necessity must be assessed first.

Regarding the possibility of lodging a case against the conspirators over cancellation of the WB funding for Padma Bridge, she said, "Time will say what to do."

About launching an investigation against Prof Muhammad Yunus over donating $6 million to a foundation (Clinton Foundation), the PM said, "You journalists can carry out the investigation as you are doing such kinds of work."

She said if she started the probe, journalists would say the investigation was being done out of vengeance.

"We have 54 private banks and they have managing directors. How many MDs have the financial capacity to donate such a huge amount of money to a foundation? So, it will be better to get the matter investigated by the journalists."

The PM said she has more information about how much money Prof Yunus has in banks and how much money is being laundered by him.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said she does not want to stay in power snatching people's votes.

She said she is the person who has been outspoken against military dictators, has carried out movements, embraced jail, repression, and faced bomb and grenade attacks. "The development of the country has been possible as I am able to protect democracy and maintain its continuation."

She urged all to see the changes in the country since 2009.

The premier said, "Is there not a single qualified leader of the BNP in Bangladesh so that they can make him the party chairman?"

Turning to the flood situation in the country's northeast, the PM said the government will construct bridges and culverts at all the identified points of roads for the drainage of flood water in order to prevent such calamities in future.

Noting that the flood has affected 11 districts, Hasina said the flood water was channeled smoothly after cutting roads at different points at her directive.

"I will construct bridges or culverts at those points where the roads were cut or damaged so that water does not get stagnant there anymore in future."

The PM said the government has taken timely measures to ease the sufferings of the flood-affected people.

She said she has also directed the authorities to take steps to face the post-flood situation, particularly to prevent post-flood diseases and to boost crop production.

Senior Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud, and PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus were present, among others.