Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina vowed Wednesday to complete the much-awaited Padma Bridge before 2018 as the government has already accomplished relevant works in this connection, reports BSS.
"We have launched the work on the 6.15-kilometre bridge through our own funding, and relevant works have already been finished. There would be our efforts to complete the bridge before 2018," she said.
The PM made the remarks while replying to a supplementary question raised by independent lawmaker Rustam Ali Farazi in her question-answer session in the House.
Sheikh Hasina said her government wants to give the bridge a world-class shape. "We want to set an example in the world by constructing the bridge," she said.
The PM said the double-decked bridge had also a provision of train communications and the rail line would go up to Mongla Port and the under-construction Paira Bandar in Patuakhali would also get its benefit.
"It is a specialised task that will need time," she said.
Highlighting the background of construction of the bridge, the Leader of the House said her previous government during its tenure from 1996-2001 had carried out a feasibility study on the project.
"We laid the foundation stone of the bridge at Mawa point in 2001. But the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, after coming to power, conducted another feasibility study to build the bridge at Paturia point delaying its construction," she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that the firm concerned submitted the feasibility study to the government suggesting construction of the bridge at Mawa point.
The PM said after assuming office in 2009, the last Awami League government had taken initiative again to construct the bridge.
"As per our initiatives some international organisations like World Bank, ADB, JICA came forward for financing. But due to provocation of some persons, the donor agencies suspended the funding for alleged 'conspiracy' of graft," she said.
"At that time, an obscure situation was created and I challenged that no corruption took place in the process of construction of the bridge," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said there were many games that the vested quarters launched relating to the construction of the bridge. "But I had told the House that we will start the work through our own funding and we were able to begin the work by overcoming all hurdles," she said.
