Bangladesh gets global respect for Padma Bridge: PM

Describing the Padma Bridge as a symbol of pride, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said the international community now shows due respect to Bangladesh as the bridge was constructed with the country's own funds.

"People now show respect when they hear the name of Bangladesh on the international stage. The people of Bangladesh have reached a dignified position," she said while addressing a civic rally as the chief guest marking the closing of the Padma Bridge construction work at Mawa end on Friday afternoon.

She said that the mentality of Bangladesh that it can't do anything without their (foreigners) support has changed through the construction of the Padma Bridge with its own finances.

"The Padma Bride is a bridge of our pride.... one decision (to build Padma Bridge with its own finance) has given Bangladesh dignity. Those who always did bossing on us and thought that Bangladesh would not move on without them have changed their mentality," she said.

The Prime Minister recalled the local and international conspiracies to stop the construction of the Padma Bridge.

"We had to build the Padma Bridge overcoming many barriers. We have built the bridge entirely with the money of the people of Bangladesh," she said.