<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday declared that Padma Bridge is not just a concrete infrastructure of brick, cement, steel and iron, rather this is a symbol of nation’s pride, honour and ability.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The bridge belongs to the people of Bangladesh. It involves our passion, our creativity, our courage, our endurance and our perseverance,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier was addressing the grand opening ceremony of the country’s largest bridge –Padma Bridge- over the mighty Padma River at Mawa end.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the much-cherished bridge stands on&nbsp; the turbulent Padma River overcoming many obstacles and breaking the web of conspiracy.</div><div><br></div><div>“Today, I am happy, proud and overwhelmed along with millions of people of the country,” said Hasina.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that the quality of the Padma Bridge construction work has not been compromised, she said “This bridge is built with the latest technology and materials in the world maintaining full transparency. The whole construction process has been completed while maintaining the highest standards.”</div><div><br></div><div>PM Hasina said that the foundation of the Padma Bridge is still the deepest in the world.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection she said that the piles of this bridge have been laid up to a maximum depth of 122 meters while sophisticated technology has been used for earthquake prevention.</div><div><br></div><div>“Because of some of the more special features, the construction of this bridge will be included in engineering textbooks around the world - that's for sure," she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM said the engineers of Bangladesh have gained experience in implementing big projects from this huge work. “In the future, we will be able to build such complex bridges or infrastructure ourselves,” she further said.</div><div><br></div><div>Controlling the treacherous fast-moving Padma River was as much a challenge as building the bridge, she said, adding that arrangements have been made to secure both the banks of the river by successfully tackling that challenge.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is a well-managed and well-maintained service area on both sides of the bridge.”</div><div><br></div><div>On this historic day of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the prime minister asked the people to take a fresh vow to work for the welfare of the country and the people of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>She expressed her deepest gratitude to the people of the country as they were beside her all the time.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that she has no allegation against anyone who has hatched conspiracy against the Bridge and the country. “Today, I will just pray that good sense will prevail upon the conspirators.”</div><div><br></div><div>To mark the historic moments, she also unveiled commemorative postage stamps, souvenir sheets, opening day cover and seals&nbsp; and a note of Tk 100 as part of the grand opening of the country’s biggest self-financed mega project.</div><div><br></div><div>Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader presided over the inaugural function attended by&nbsp; dignitaries including ministers, lawmakers and foreign diplomats.</div><div><br></div><div>At the outset of the event, a theme song and a documentary titled “Padma Bridge: Pride of Bangladesh” were presented.</div><div><br></div><div>Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam delivered the introductory speech. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>