Exploiting opportunities main hurdle, say experts

Experts said although the Padma Bridge offers tremendous economic opportunities, the main challenge now is to exploit these opportunities.
Addressing a discussion on the Padma Bridge - organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, they also observed that the successful completion of the bridge helps promote the branding of Bangladesh across the world.
Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen said the bridge signifies the dignity of Bangladesh, as the quarters - which tried to demean the country - got a befitting reply through the opening of the bridge.
He noted that the bridge also proves that what the foreigners say is not always right. They harassed and maligned some officials of the country by raising allegations of corruption and withdrew funding for the project.
Their (the foreigners) prescription and sanction were aimed at materialising their interest, and they should now voluntarily seek apology for their wrongdoings, he added.
Dr Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the Prime Minister, urged the foreign ministry to create an archive on the Padma Bridge, compiling its technical, official and other documents.
Terming the Padma Bridge construction a complicated one, he said although the river training work was very critical, its solutions were devised by Bangladeshi consultants.
He narrated the background of the decision - taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to construct the Padma Bridge with domestic funding, and added that the bridge symbolises Bangladesh's self-respect and dignity.
Economist Selim Raihan said the bridge has established direct link between the country's south-west region and the Dhaka-Chittagong economic corridor, creating huge opportunities for 30 million people.
The region lagged behind in industrialisation, as it was not connected with the country's main economic corridor. But now the bridge has established the connection.
The industrial and agricultural sectors will get a big boost due to the direct link, and their affiliated service sectors will also expand.
Now the government should concentrate on encouraging investors at home and abroad, he opined.
Professor Raihan further said after inauguration of the Jamuna Bridge, its economic benefit was not seen during the initial years. But now the north Bengal region is turning into an industrial hub.
The country can reap the benefits of the Padma Bridge faster (than the Jamuna Bridge), as it has a solid economic footing now.
The bridge, which is a part of the Asian Highway, will play a pivotal role in regional integration through enhancing connectivity with the South Asian and ASEAN countries, he added.
Foreign Secretary Dr Masud Bin Momen said the implementation of the Padma Bridge project will help promote the branding of Bangladesh.
Since the beginning of the project, many global players were sceptical about its success, and it became a litmus test for the country. As the bridge has now been inaugurated, Bangladesh has proved its capability, he added.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said the successful implementation of the bridge project has brightened the country's image.
Former Bridges Division Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiya - who was accused by the World Bank of irregularities regarding the bridge project, said by inviting him and other 'accused' officials in the bridge inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has showed the greatness of her heart.
The Wold Bank accusations of corruption in the Padma Bridge were found false by Canadian court.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com