Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the newly constructed Freedom Fighter AKM Nasim Osman Bridge on Shitalakhya river and the six-lane Madhumati Bridge will play a pivotal role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy.

“The newly-opened bridges will accelerate regional connectivity and socioeconomic development, strengthening communication system of the country,” she said.

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the third bridge over Shitalakhya river and the first six-lane bridge in Bangladesh, over Madhumati river.

She inaugurated the bridges through videoconferencing from her office (PMO).

Sheikh Hasina said that these two bridges will play an important role in expanding trade and commerce in this region, including Nepal, Bhutan and India.

“Chattogram port, Mongla port, international airports in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet have been opened to the friendly countries – keeping mutual benefits in mind,” she said.

She mentioned that these steps would contribute significantly in expanding communication and commerce among the South Asian countries, apart from strengthening international communication.

Sheikh Hasina said that thanks to these two bridges, south and southwestern regions of the country, which were neglected, will be developed quickly.

She thanked Japan and Saudi governments for their cooperation in constructing the two bridges.

The Prime Minister said that Madhumati Bridge is connected with Trans Asian highway and will contribute to boosting Bangladesh’s economic activities.

She said that thanks to Freedom Fighter AKM Nasim Osman Bridge, vehicles coming via Padma Bridge will no longer need to enter Dhaka and as a result traffic pressure on Dhaka will be reduced.

She mentioned that after assuming office, the government has constructed major infrastructure in Bangladesh to accelerate economic development – aiming to attain the status of a developed country by 2041.

Road Transport and Bridges Division Minister Obaidul Quader spoke at the function while PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the function.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, spoke on the occasion.

Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division ABM Amin Ullah Nuri gave a brief description of the bridges.

A video documentary on the bridge projects was screened at the programme.

Later, the Prime Minister exchanged views with a cross-section of people in Narail, Gopalganj and Narayanganj – connecting through videoconference.