Be frugal with power

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday again called upon people to be economical in using energy.

She also urged to make all out efforts to avert any crisis as there is an apprehension that the world may face a food crisis.

"Grow as much food, including fisheries and livestock, as you can so that the persisting global economic meltdown can't affect Bangladesh badly," said Hasina at the inaugural ceremony of 100 bridges.

Bangladesh has to face the impact of global recession as the world is now a global village, she said, adding that prices of essentials have already gone up across the globe by manifolds due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hasina termed the inauguration of 100 bridges at a time a historic event, saying that it would help quicken the country's overall development.

From the Gono Bhaban, she virtually opened the bridges in 25 districts constructed at a cost of over Tk 879 crore.

The PM added that the bridges would help the law enforcement agencies take prompt steps to ensure public security and maintain law and order.

"It will be easier to help people in any disaster," she said, adding that the transportation and marketing of goods would be quicker and easier.

The bridges established direct road connectivity with the capital as they made 33 routes free from ferry services that will make road communications smooth, quicker, easier and safer.

Of the bridges, 46 are in Chattogram, 17 in Sylhet, 14 in Barishal, seven each in Dhaka and Rajshahi, six in Mymensingh and three in Rangpur divisions.

Hasina said her government is developing road communications in such a way so that the country could be connected to the Trans Asian Highway.

She added that they have constructed the much-awaited Padma Bridge with own finance that opened the door of immense opportunities.

Regarding the dengue outbreak, Hasina asked all to keep the houses and surrounding areas clean, remove stagnant water and destroy breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes and use mosquito nets while sleeping.

She said, "The government would take all necessary measures to control the outbreak."

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader spoke on the occasion.

PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the function while Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri gave a brief description of the bridges.

A video documentary on the bridges was also screened.