We didn't compromise on quality of Padma Bridge: PM

The authorities did not make any compromise on the quality of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, says Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Addressing the Media on Wednesday, she highlighted the challenges faced by the government in building the bridge.

“Hope, none can raise any question about the standard of the Padma Bridge and there is no base of such question," she added.

She, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to the people for their unyielding faith and support for the project.

The mega structure, built with the country's own funds, is set to open on Jun 25.

After initially agreeing to co-finance the project, the World Bank cancelled a $1.2 billion credit in June 2012 after raising complaints of corruption over the appointment of consultants for Bangladesh's longest bridge.

The move threw the fate of the project into doubt. 

However , the PM announced that the project would be completed with the country's own resources just a month later of the denial. 

She said:”The successful construction of the much-awaited Padma Bridge with own finance helped Bangladesh to come out of dependency on others to conduct the country's development programmes.” 

From the very outset, various quarters from within the country had tried to undermine the initiative, particularly a "certain MD of a bank", Hasina said.

"Some people of our country have a perception or mentality that we can't do anything without money of others. We had the mentality of dependency and narrowness. But now, we came out of dependency to conduct development activities," she added.

The premier further said: "We are a self-dignified nation. I am happy as we have proved that we can do it."