South Asia

China lauds PM Sheikh Hasina for building Padma Bridge

Update: 05:22, 23 June 2022

China's Ambassador to Bangladesh have applauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership for building Padma Bridge with the country's own finance and described the government's achievements in Bangladesh during the last decade as extraordinary_ according to a press statement.

Ambassador emphasized Bangladesh's progress and development during Sheikh Hasina's 12 years as Prime Minister_ including economic growth_ infrastructure development such as the Padma Bridge.

'I wonder_ I truly doubt_ if any typical leader of any country could have made such a difficult decision as she did_' he told a small gathering of journalists at the Chinese consulate in Dhaka on June 19.

China's Ambassador to Bangladesh also said_ I feel particularly proud of and connected to the bridge_ not only because it is built by a Chinese company_ but also because it is a milestone of China-Bangladesh cooperation.

In fact_ whenever President Xi Jinping mentions Bangladesh_ he will mention the Padma Bridge. News related to the bridge has also been covered by various TV channels in China. I believe that after the bridge is open to traffic_ it will benefit the people of Bangladesh_ it will contribute to the connectivity of South Asia_ and it will serve as an everlasting bond of brotherhood between China and Bangladesh_ Ambassador Li Jiming added.

Whenever I think of the bridge_ three words come to my mind: courage_ determination and prosperity.

The Padma Bridge is a symbol of courage. Back in the days when the government of Bangladesh was conceiving the idea of the bridge_ there were some complications regarding finance_ technical viability and legitimacy of the plan. Some partners from abroad didn't believe such a plan could ever materialize.

Nevertheless_ Premier Sheikh Hasina steeled herself for all the doubts_ pressures and allegations_ and decided to build the bridge with Bangladesh's own finance_ which required tremendous courage and a strong sense of political responsibility.