By Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo

DHAKA, June 11, 2022 (BSS) – The 6.15-kilometre long Padma Multipurpose Bridge is not just a structure, it is a dream that came true for the entire nation at home and abroad.

“The Padma Bridge is our pride and the pride for the entire nation, because Bangladesh can construct such a mega structure with own fund. We have proved that we can do that,” a bus passenger bound to Pirojpur, Saiful Islam, told BSS at Fulbaria bus stand today.

He said the dream bridge over the mighty river Padma has established a direct link between the capital and the south-western districts of the country.

“Everything is going well to open the Padma Bridge on June 25,” said Md Shafiqul Islam, Project Director (PD) of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Authority.

He said that workers and experts have been working relentlessly to ensure 100 percent completion of all works, adding, “We are checking electric lines, electric bulbs and other works to finish all activities within the stipulated time.”

An international consultant, based in Melbourne, Saleque Sufi said the dream of millions of people is now visible due to bold and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as she is very much committed to make people’s dream into reality.

He said the Padma Bridge will help mass people take their living standard to a new height and it will also create new employment opportunities in the region. 

“After inauguration of the bridge, mills, factories and other business establishments will develop in the region including Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Khulna, Jashore, Barisal, Patuakhali and other adjacent districts,” said the consultant.

Talking to BSS, Abdul Halim, a bus driver bound to Madaripur, said that travelers to the capital or the eastern part of the country will not take extra time after grand opening of the bridge.

“Once the Padma Bridge is opened, the misery of the people of the south-western districts will be removed and their socioeconomic position will be enhanced,” he said.

Another passenger bound to Gopalganj said that due to the Padma Bridge, travelling time will be reduced drastically, employment will be increased and life standard will be upgraded. 

He said thousands of people have been crossing the river facing intolerable sufferings since the Independence of Bangladesh, which will be ended from June 25, 2022 as the Prime Minister will inaugurate the bridge to traffic.

“If it is opened, it will take three hours to reach Dhaka from Gopalganj. Now we need five to six hours,” the passenger said.

He said one day, Shahidul Islam, a private employee, was waited for a ferry for around two hours to cross the river.

Shahidul Islam frequently visited Dhaka from Muksudpur by bus. He works at Pallabi in the capital and every weekend he visits his village.

Economic experts projected that with the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) will boost by 1.5-2 percent.

They said the Padma Bridge will change the economic landscape of southwestern Bangladesh, as well as it will connect many countries of South and Southeast Asia and contribute to communication, trade, industry, tourism and many other sectors in many ways.

Meanwhile, Mongla Sea Port, Payra Sea Port, Barisal, Jashore, Faridpur, Narail, Bagerhat, Pirojpur and Khulna will directly connect with Dhaka and other cities through Padma Bridge that will create job, increase export and other facilities. 

SM Habibur Rahman, Chairman of Bhanga Upazila Parishad in Faridpur, told BSS that despite 50 years of Independence, the people of the southwestern part had been neglected and oppressed so long. “Hon'ble Prime Minister will open the Padma Bridge on June 25. We thanked her from the core of our hearts,” he said.

Political experts said that the pledges of the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be fulfilled through the opening of the Padma Bridge.

They said that the Padma Bridge is the largest infrastructure constructed since the independence of Bangladesh. 

With taking a challenge, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to construct the 6.15-kilometre long two-tier Padma Bridge having provisions for movement of vehicles on the upper tier of the bridge and operation of trains on the lower tier with own finance, political experts said.

Earlier, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader hoped successfully opening of the bridge for commuters on June 25. 

During the construction period, he visited Mawa point and Janjira point several times to inspect the construction works of the mega project.

Quader said the government, for the first time, is implementing such a mega project like Padma Bridge, which is now visible.

According to project details, China Major Bridge Engineering Company (MBEC), a Chinese construction Company, constructed the bridge.

It said the construction work began on December 12, 2015 as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated on that day. The first span of the Padma Bridge was installed at the Jajira point of Shariatpur on October 7, 2017.

Earlier, the Prime Minister on November 12 in 2013 inaugurated the approach roads on Janzira and Mawa sides as well as the Service Area-2 work.  

The pre-feasibility study of the bridge project was conducted by Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) in 1998-1999 with Bangladesh government's fund. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) did the feasibility study during 2003-2005.

International and national consultants headed by AECOM prepared the detailed design of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge. The team comprised AECOM, SMEC International, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants and ACE Consultants, with additional assistance from Aas-Jakobsen and HR Wallingford.