Thousands join Padma Bridge opening ceremony

All preparations have been completed as the
much-anticipated 6.15 kilometer Padma Bridge will be opened for vehicular movement in a short time.
 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally open the Padma Bridge by unveiling the inaugural plaque at the Mawa point at 11am on Saturday.

Marking the grand opening of the bridge, a festive mood is prevailing in the country, particularly in the southern and southwestern region which will be directly facilitated through the major road connectivity.
 

Thousands of people of all walks of life gathered beside venue to join the 'historic moment.'

On Saturday morning, thousands of people have been seen starting their journey towards the venue. 

On Friday, residents of the area visited the site of the programme in a festive mood, with their dream structure in full view.

Vendors were selling wearable images and replicas of the bridge, boat, the ruling Awami League’s symbol, and national flags. Many structures have been illuminated in the area.

Law enforcers were struggling to keep the crowds of visitors from the main venue.

The approach roads and areas on the other bank of the river have also been bedecked with banners, festoons and billboards.

Awami League has arranged a public rally marking the opening of the bridge at Kathalbari under Shibchar upazila in Madaripur scheduled to be held st 12 noon. The Premier will join and address the rally.

 
Madaripur Deputy Commissioner said they have taken all-out preparations as around 10 lakh people will join the mammoth rally. Mirza Azam will coordinate of the rally.
 
The venue located on the bank of river Padma has been decorated gorgeously by making a symbolic makeshift Padma Bridge having 10 spans on 11 pillars.
 
Before the symbolic bridge, opening stage has been set up. The makeshift bridge is 200 feet long and 8 feet wide. The stage is 15 feet long and 40 feet wide.
 
A 60-feet long gigantic boat floats on water in front of the stage. Several small boats are also there. The venue has been prepared on around 15 acres of land.
 
Stringent security measures have also been taken to avert any untoward incident. Six watch towers have been set up on the premises of the stage. More than 150 CCTV cameras have been set up there.
 
Members of Army, several units of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, and SSF members are working at the venue.
 
As preparations have been taken to host a mammoth public gathering, 500 temporary toilets, 22 toilets for VIP, pure drinking water, a 20-bed and two 10-bed mobile hospitals and medical centers have been ensured. There will be ambulance facilities too.
 
The entire Madaipur district wore a festive look as colorful banners have been hanged on the streets and roads.
 
The programme will include colorful cultural function, fireworks and laser show. Sweets will also be distributed among people.
 
Awami League Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak said the event will be a historic one as around one million people will attend it.
 
He hoped Bangladesh will march further ahead with the inauguration of the country's biggest self-financed project Padma Bridge.