<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s courage, sincerity and strong willingness for achieving a number of milestones, including the metro rail project.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“It will be a historic moment for us. It’s a matter of pride and joy for us. It has been possible for our leader Sheikh Hasina’s courage, strong willingness and sincerity,” he told the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited first-ever elevated metro rail on December 28 for commercial operation.</div><div><br></div><div>Initially, some 10-set trains with six coaches will run from Uttara to Agargaon.</div><div><br></div><div>“I tell you. There had been various kinds of conspiracies (to halt the implementation of mega projects – the Padma Bridge and metro rail),” Momen said.</div><div><br></div><div>He thanked Japan saying: “The country helped Bangladesh despite all the conspiracies and they (Japanese people) were sincere in their work. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic they kept working.”</div><div><br></div><div>Momen said the government remains grateful to Japan for their uninterrupted support despite the Holey Artisan attack that left over 20 people, including Japanese citizens, dead.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have created another history – the tunnel beneath the River Karnaphuli. “These (the Padma Bridge, tunnel, and metro rail) are the milestones of Bangladesh,” Momen said.</div><div><br></div><div>Appreciating Hasina’s leadership and stability in the country, the foreign minister said if someone really wants to do something, they will find a way to do it, even if there are things that make it hard to do. “Good leadership and a stable government bring benefits.” - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>