Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared today that the successful completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, financed entirely by domestic resources, has shattered international scepticism and fundamentally altered the global perception of Bangladesh. Addressing the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) during a discussion on a thanksgiving motion, the Prime Minister asserted that the bridge is not merely a piece of infrastructure but a testament to the nation’s “can-do” spirit and burgeoning logistical capacity.
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A Triumph of Self-Confidence
The Prime Minister underscored that the decision to self-fund the project, following the withdrawal of the World Bank, was a pivotal moment in the country’s history. “The most significant outcome is the global realisation that Bangladesh is capable of executing monumental projects independently,” she remarked. This shift in perception, she argued, has significantly brightened the country’s image on the international stage, fostering a newfound sense of national pride and technological expertise.
The motion, placed by Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury under section 147 of the rules of procedure, was passed unanimously by voice vote. It formally congratulated the Prime Minister for her “visionary and bold leadership” in delivering what is now the largest infrastructure project in the history of the delta nation.
Evolutionary Design and Cost Dynamics
Responding to previous criticisms regarding the escalation of project costs compared to the 2007 initial design, the Prime Minister provided a detailed technical justification. She noted that the original scope was significantly narrower and lacked the integrated utility features that define the current structure.
| Feature | 2007 Caretaker Government Design | Final 2022 Implementation |
| Transport Capacity | Road-only connection | Four-lane highway with lower-deck railway |
| Utility Integration | None | High-pressure gas and electricity lines |
| Main Bridge Length | Shorter span | 6.15 kilometres |
| Navigation Clearance | Limited | 100% clearance for maritime traffic |
| Land Acquisition | Lower volume at historic prices | Expanded acreage; costs tripled |
| River Training | Basic | Advanced dredging and bank protection |
Defiance in the Face of Adversity
In a poignant segment of her speech, Sheikh Hasina reflected on the “tremendous pressure and humiliation” she and her family endured due to “baseless” allegations of corruption. She specifically criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus and the editor of a prominent national daily for their alleged roles in lobbying the World Bank and high-ranking US officials—including Hillary Clinton—to stall funding.
“They thought we would surrender,” she told the House. “But they forgot that I am the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I will never bow my head to injustice.” She reminded the Parliament that a Canadian court eventually dismissed all corruption claims as “concocted,” vindicating her administration’s integrity.
Economic and Social Impact
The bridge, which the Prime Minister officially inaugurated on June 25, 2022, serves as a vital artery connecting 21 southwestern districts with the capital. Beyond the convenience for over 30 million people, economic surveys suggest the project will stimulate a 1.23% increase in annual GDP growth. By mastering the complex technology required to bridge the turbulent Padma River, the Prime Minister believes Bangladesh has prepared itself for even more ambitious engineering feats in the future.