Bangladesh’s economy will get a huge boost with the expected “industrial revolution” of the southwestern districts when the long-cherished ‘Padma Multipurpose Bridge’ opens to traffic within a year or a bit more.
The main structure of 6.15 kilometer Padma Bridge became fully visible on Thursday with the installation of its last span.
“Once it is completed fully and opened to traffic within a year or a bit more, the economy of Bangladesh is likely to get a huge boost with the expected “industrial revolution” of the southwestern districts,” experts said.
The installation of last span has also paved the way for connecting the less-developed southwestern region of Bangladesh with eastern half including the capital and the port city.
The 41st span, the last one placed on the pillar, has made the bridge fully visible connecting it with approach roads on both sides, while other related components are being put in to place steadily. The bridge which is expected to open to traffic sometime next year or in 2022 has created a high hope for leading towards an intense market integration within the economy.
Keeping the august occasion in front of mind, politicians, business leaders, economists and civil society members have observed that economic activities in the southwestern part are increasing gradually and as a result, many industrialists from home and abroad are purchasing lands in several districts, especially in Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Bagerhat, Gopalganj and Khulna.
Once it is completed, they hoped that the bridge will initiate an “industrial revolution” in the country’s 21 southwestern districts.
They opined that the Padma Bridge will connect many of the South and Southeast Asian countries and contribute immensely to communication, trade, industry, tourism and many other sectors in various ways.
For taking the advantage properly, they urged the government to outline a “proper strategy” that will be on offer, particularly for the southwestern region. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Deputy Minister for Water Resources AKM Enamul Hoque Shameem said the dream of the country has come true for the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The bridge will contribute to increase the country’s GDP growth to double digit,” said Shameem, also a lawmaker from Shariatpur.
The experts said the double-deck Padma Bridge, with road and rail tracks, is expected to contribute around 1.3 to 2 percent to the annual GDP growth, reduce poverty and increase economic activities of the people of the neglected southwestern region.
