Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received over TK 315 crore as the 5th and 6th installments of the loan taken for the construction of the Padma Bridge. The presentation took place during a check handover function at the premier’s Ganabhaban residence, where Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader handed over a cheque of Tk 315,07,53,442. Among those present were PM’s Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin, PM’S Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Bridges Division Secretary M Monjur Hossain, and high officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), bridge, and finance divisions.
With the inclusion of the fifth and sixth installments, the Bridges Division has contributed a total of Tk 948,01,19,585 to the government through six installments. The loan repayment initiative commenced on April 5, utilizing toll collection revenue as the first and second installments.
The Padma Bridge, a significant infrastructure project, was constructed at a cost exceeding Taka 32,605 crore. On June 25, 2022, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 6.15-km Padma Bridge, marking a milestone in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
It is noteworthy that the loan for the Padma Bridge project was secured from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate, as per an agreement between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. The loan repayment process, exemplified by the recent installments, reflects the government’s commitment to managing the financial aspects of key national projects.
This check handover signifies another step in the financial stewardship of the Padma Bridge initiative, underscoring the government’s dedication to completing and sustaining vital infrastructure projects that contribute to the nation’s progress.
