Bangalis , when united, can do miracles: PM Sheikh Hasina

She was addressing a rally at the project site on the bank of the Padma river in Shariatpur’s Jajira on Saturday.

Referring to the ‘false allegations’ of the World Bank and other hurdles that got in the way of constructing this ‘dream bridge’, she said she wanted to go ahead with the project to prove that Bangladesh did not always need foreign assistance for big projects.

“I wanted to show them that we, too, can do it … That day has arrived.”

The Bengalees have never bowed down to anyone, nor will they ever, she asserted.

“About us the Father of the Nation said, ‘Nobody can suppress us’. We have proved that again today.”

She said the people’s support gave her the strength to withdraw the funding request to the World Bank and decide to build the bridge with Bangladesh’s own resources.

“Many sent cheques and donated money. This bravery and assistance kept me going and made me strong.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the river training works of the Tk 230 billion Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project, the largest ever self-financed project taken up by Bangladesh.

Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation Ltd will carry out this vital part of the project at a cost of nearly Tk 87.08 billion.

Once constructed, the 6.15 km bridge will establish a direct road link between Dhaka and 21 southern districts.

The government hopes to open the bridge, equipped with a railroad as well, within the next three years.

Seeking everyone’s cooperation for the project, the prime minister said, “No country can develop solely on its own. Regional cooperation is required [for that].”

She said the bridge will not only improve the lives of people living in the southern region, but will also boost regional connectivity.

The Padma bridge will also connect Bangladesh with the proposed Trans-Asian Highway and International Communication Network, she added.

Prime minister said this bridge will create new jobs and townships. “We’ll be able to develop this region more.”

According to government estimates, Bangladesh's GDP will increase by 1.23 percent and the poverty rate will drop by 0.84 percent once the bridge becomes operational.

After opening the river training works at Jajira, the prime minister went around 1pm to Mawa on the other side of the river where she inaugurated the construction for the bridge’s main structure.

The pilling work of the bridge’s seventh out of the 42 pillars started right after the event ended.

The project was originally initiated in 1998 when the Awami League was in power, but it went into limbo when the party lost the general election in 2001.

When the party returned to power in 2009, it revived the initiative.

The World Bank initially proposed to fund much of the project, but Bangladesh withdrew the funding request after the global lender raised a stink over alleged corruption.

An investigation by the Anti Corruption Commission found no evidence to prove the World Bank’s accusations.

Referring to the World Bank’s allegations and its withdrawal of funds, she said on Saturday that “other motives were involved”.

“A renowned person broke the law to remain the managing director of a bank for 11 years. When the Bangladesh Bank told him to leave, he moved the court and lost.

“E-mails were sent to the highest quarters of the US. This man wanted their support to take steps against the Bangladesh government. The erstwhile World Bank chief stopped the funding on his last day at office,” said the prime minister.

Despite all odds, Prime minister announced in 2013 that she would go ahead with the project, using the country’s own resources.

“I am the daughter of the Father of the Nation. Having lost everything, I serve the people. Neither I nor any of my family members is involved in corruption,” she said on Saturday.

In 2014, China's Major Bridge Engineering Company Ltd and Sinohydro Corporation Ltd were awarded the contracts for the construction of the main bridge and the river training work.