Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government's stance and continued efforts to build the Padma Bridge with its own fund has changed the attitude of the world towards Bangladesh as all now treat it with respect.
"That incident (implementation of Padma Bridge with own fund) has changed the mindset and attitude of the world towards the people of Bangladesh as they now give due respect while talking about Bangladesh. We want to move ahead in the global arena with due respect as a victorious nation in the Great War of Liberation," she said.
The Prime Minister said this on Sunday while addressing a dinner programme hosted at Hotel Sofitel in honour of her by Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem, concurrently accredited to Cambodia, reports UNB.
Hasina said there was a big challenge for her government over the Padma Bridge issue when the World Bank and other development partners withdrew their funding from the much-hyped bridge project following a false allegation of corruption.
"There was a perception that we won't be able to construct the bridge without the World Bank funding. But, I then insisted that we can do that. We didn't accept any false allegation and we had to endure sufferings and mental pain, but we took the challenge. Now the most important thing is we're doing it with our own fund. All the materials including cement and steel are being provided from Bangladesh for the bridge," she added.
Sheikh Hasina also urged the Bangladeshi businesses to look for suitable partners in Cambodia and thus move ahead for joint venture projects with their Cambodian counterparts.
Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Chief Coordinator on SDGs Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office Md Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque were present at the dais.
Later, the Prime Minister enjoyed a colorful cultural programme performed by Bangladeshi artistes living in Thailand and Cambodia.
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