Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said those involved in a conspiracy to block the Padma Bridge project will get a befitting reply as the landmark structure is set to be erected completely.
“Some citizens of our country, who have no patriotism and obligation to the people, hatched a conspiracy over the construction of the Padma Bridge," she alleged.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a civic rally near the Padma Bridge Toll Plaza at Mawa end after unveiling the name plaque of the structure on Sunday, reports BSS.
Sheikh Hasina said her government had to overcome many obstacles and tolerate slanders which even affected her family members’ reputation
“We will give them a befitting reply who wanted to tarnish Bangladesh’s image and obstruct its development pace and economic progress by raising corruption allegations into the project,” she said.
The premier said the countrymen also needed to know about the “insult and intimidation we had to suffer for the bridge as the conspirators tried to belittle us” nationally and in the international arena.
But, the premier said, all those allegations were finally proved false in a case with a Canadian federal court.
Earlier, Sheikh Hasina unveiled the name plaque of the bridge coinciding with the completion 60 per cent work of the Padma Bridge and opening the construction work of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project’ and 1300 meter permanent river bank protection work in Mawa-Kandipara-Jasholdia area.
Bangladesh has lost two years from the implementation period of the Padma Bridge project for Dilly-dallying of the World Bank and many people including some of our countrymen came to believe that Bangladesh will not be able to implement the project without World Bank financing, the Prime Minister said.
“Only Malaysian former prime minister assured of giving help, sending his advisor to make a profile of the project,” she said.
“But as my father, I have profound faith in strength of the people of Bangladesh and I firmly believe that they are my great helper. Being inspired by the people and being confident on their strength, we had undertaken the mega project,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to the people of the country as they extended their support to her decision and gave courage to construct the project with own fund.
The premier hoped that Chinese efficient and experienced contractor China Railway Group Ltd will complete ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project’ within stipulated time by maintaining the quality.
She said the Engineering Corps of Bangladesh Army, the symbol of confidence of the country, and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) are performing responsibilities as its consultants.
“I hope that train will run along with other vehicles from the day the bridge will be opened,” she said.