When we planned to build the Padma Bridge, many international organizations and important people, starting from the World Bank to many others, ignored us and/or turned us away. They never thought that Bangladesh would be able to do such a big project with its own funds. They knew that even if a small project worth Tk. 500 crore could be implemented, Bangladesh would have to reach out to the rest of the world.
The largest economists in the country with reputed degrees, politicians and even ordinary people said - it is not possible. Termed this as a Luxury project, Unnecessary… etc.
But ignoring all, only because of the mentality of not giving up, we started the Padma Bridge with our own funds. With the help of this Padma Bridge, local companies like Abdul Monem got the job of connecting roads.
After the start of the work, a special coterie created corruption rumors about the Padma Bridge. The investigation began. The matter was later taken to a Canadian court. In the end, the verdict came, there was no evidence of corruption. Interestingly, the same World Bank official who raised and started the rumors of corruption was later dismissed for corruption in another incident.
We resolved that we must be able to build the Padma Bridge with our own funds. Other projects centered on the Padma Bridge were started with this conviction. The Payra deep sea port project was undertaken. Railway from Dhaka to Payra was another project. No one had any idea that any company in this country could build a railway line. "Max" is doing that. Maybe their position is still small. Maybe one day they too will raise their capabilities not only in Bangladesh but all over the world. We can - and this is what we know.
When the work on this Padma bridge is completed, when Payra becomes a port, If connected to the railway, innumerable industrial establishments will be formed around this region. Dhaka-Chittagong four lane work has been completed. Work on the expressway will also begin soon.
The first expressway in Bangladesh (Dhaka Mawa expressway) is in full swing. Work on the Nabinagar Second Expressway from Gabtoli will also start soon. Many people are upset about these developments.
But you can see in the next 8-10 years how much benefit it will bring to the economy. In this country, we still oppose these projects. We say, excuse me, I can't eat, what should I do with the bridge? Many also troll about sending satellites. Rumors spread that these would be of no use. Those whose thoughts are like that, they will also get the benefits.
The moment is now our moment to turn around. No one can say that a strong Bangladesh will not emerge like South Korea.
South Korea's highway has shown how fast a country's economy can change. We have a lack of infrastructure. It may not be possible to spend on repairing existing roads to build new expressways. But when these projects are implemented, radical change is bound to come. Looking forward to that new day.