Padma Bridge, a symbol of national pride

"I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas."

This remark about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by Cuba's revolutionary leader Fidel Castro is still remembered across the world.  

Imitating the remarks by Castro, our nation also can speak proudly - we have not seen the Bosphorus Bridge crossing the Bosphorus strait, the Tower Bridge over the River Thames, or the Canakkale Bridge connecting Europe and Asia. 

But we have seen and mounted our Padma Bridge which is incompatible in many ways. We are proud of this magnificent superstructure. We are honored to leave our footprint on it.

Costing $3.86 billion, this massive structure is one of the largest projects Bangladesh has ever undertaken since its independence. And it is a combined effort of about 4,000 people. The project implementation unit consists of more than 100 local experts accompanied by a few from abroad

Anyone will be surprised if he/she stares at the engineering wonders, forgetting all previous facts like delays, political conflict, high costs, graft allegations, etc. Overcoming all the global pressure and domestic criticism, this mega structure becomes a unique symbol of the nation's bravery, grit, and resilience.  

Today, indeed, this bridge has uplifted our heads like a headstone of a newly victorious nation! It seems that the joy of independence has entered the nation's life! This great achievement with own effort can be compared to the joy of Victory Day again!