Padma Bridge opens up new economic possibilities

Business leaders have said Padma Bridge is not just an infrastructure, the mega project will open up new windows of opportunities for the economy to support investment and industries in the Southern parts of the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates Padma Bridge today while the mega infrastructure will be open to traffic tomorrow.

Former FBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim said Padma Bridge will be a socio-economic corridor for investment, employment, logistics and trade connectivity.

Sheikh Fazle Fahim

“It is a benchmark for us to scale up in other national connectivity projects within the country and region (BBIN). It will be a cost and time savings stimulus for agricultural, logistics, MSMEs and the value chain,” Sheikh Fahim said.

The business leader termed the mega infrastructure as ‘an engineering marvel and a symbol of multilateral partnership.

“The bridge is a testament to Bangladeshi engineering, procurement, construction and logistical capacity. The project used 562,000 metric tonnes of cement, and 89,240 tonnes of steel from domestic sources,” he added.

Fahim, also the President of the Developing-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry (D-8 CCI), applauded the progressive leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her prudent macroeconomic policies. Padma Bridge's completion with Bangladesh’s funds is a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance and honour for all, he said.

Foreign Investor’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Naser Ezaz Bijoy said Padma Bridge will open new windows of opportunities for the country’s economy.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy

“Padma Bridge will be a game-changer for the country’s southern region. Travel time will be shortened and local businesses will be able to take their products to market within a short period,” Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said.

The seasoned banker mentioned that the people in the Southern part of the country will get benefits from Padma Bridge.

“There are factories in Nilphamari that employs over 14,000 workers. It’s a scenario that could not be imagined 20 years back,” added Naser Ezar.

The construction of the 6.15-kilometre-long bridge began in December 2015 with Bangladesh's funds. The first span was installed in September 2017.