Momen reiterates compensation for false corruption allegation on Padma Bridge
DHAKA, June 30, 2022 (BSS) –
Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has
reiterated that those who made false corruption allegations against the people involved in Padma Bridge Project and defame Bangladesh should seek an
apology and compensate the individuals.
“Under the courageous leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the historic Padma Bridge has been built with our funds and resources and now represents a nation on the road to self-reliance and prosperity,” he said.
The foreign minister was speaking as the chief guest at gala celebration titled- Padma Bridge: Milestone of a Decade of Growth and Prosperity, organized by Bangladesh High Commission in London on Monday, according to a press release received here today.
He highlighted Bangladesh’s economic growth that was achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the past decade.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s timely and innovative initiatives made Bangladesh a self-sufficient country in staple crop production, which increased fourfold from 11 lakh tonnes to 44 lakh tonnes, and her business- friendly government boosted export earnings from 7 to 8 million US dollars to 48 million US dollars,” he said.
Apart from this, he said the country’s economy gained a strong foothold during the pandemic as expatriate Bangladeshi including from the UK and Ireland remitted 25 billion US dollars to their homeland.
Dr. Momen, in his speech, expressed solidarity with the flood victims in Sylhet and other areas of Bangladesh and spoke in detail about the relief and rescue operations the government has been implementing since the recurrence of the natural disasters.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem, in her welcome remarks, lauded the contributions of Bangladeshis living in the UK and Ireland to Bangladesh’s economy, including in the Padma Bridge, by sending a record amounts of remittances.
Expressing her deep solidarity with the flood-affected people in Bangladesh, including in Sylhet Division, the envoy said, Bangladesh High Commission has set up a helpline to provide the necessary information and emergency assistance to the expatriate Bangladeshis whose family members and relatives are affected by the flooding.
Speaking on the occasion, Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman who is a British- Bangladeshi, congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government for building the Padma Bridge, which significantly improved the country’s communication infrastructure.
A prominent British-Bangladeshi community member Jalal Uddin also spoke at the event, attended by over 400 enthusiastic expatriate Bangladeshi who came from different cities and towns of the UK and Ireland to celebrate the inauguration of Padma Bridge.