People across the country celebrate Padma Bridge opening

People across the country celebrated the opening ceremony of Padma Bridge on Saturday with enthusiasm, lauding the heroic role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to materialise the dream into reality.

Scores of rallies and jubilant processions from public and private offices and educational institutions, including law enforcement agencies, marched to the Freedom Fighters Memorial Stadium carrying banners welcoming the prime minister.

According to local sources, the Rajshahi district administration arranged a ceremony at the stadium to mark the formal opening of the Padma Bridge and the attending people in large watched the prime minister’s historic inaugural ceremony of Padma Bridge on a giant television screen.

Commissioner of Rajshahi division GSM Zafarullah, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Abu Kalam Siddique and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Abdul Jalil, among many other dignitaries, were present at the ceremony.

They also released balloons and festoons in the sky to mark the historic opening of the Padma Bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reports of celebrating the historic opening were also reached here from all eight districts and 67 upazilas in the Rajshahi division.

In Khulna, the district administration had taken huge spectacular programmes to celebrate the Padma Bridge opening ceremony in a festive manner and make the day a memorial one, said sources.

The programmes included discussion meetings, colourful cultural music shows, lesser shows and Atoshbaji.

The inauguration ceremony was exhibited on a large screen from Khulna Stadium. The city’s main streets, important places, road islands, government, semi-government, autonomous bodies and other establishments were decorated and illuminated.

On the occasion, a video documentary on ‘Padma Bridge’ had been shown at Shaheed Hadis Park, Shibbari intersection, Daulatpur Bazar and different important streets.

In Mongla, a procession organised by the Mongla upazila administration was brought out at 10.30 am. The rally - participated by students, teachers, officials and employees of various government and non-government organizations – took a trip around the city.

Thousands of people gathered at different places in the Barishal division to witness the inauguration of Padma Bridge on projectors. The inauguration programme of the Padma Bridge was screened on projectors all across Barishal city.

In Faridpur, the opening ceremony was broadcasted live at the Sheikh Jamal Stadium with thousands in attendance. A rally organised by the district administration was held in the morning as part of the two-day celebrations.

People from all walks of life including government officials and students participated in the rally with colourful banners and festoons. A cultural programme was held in the evening marking the Padma Bridge inauguration.

In Satkhira, the district administration broadcasted the inauguration ceremony in Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park.

Many people also gathered at the local tea stalls to witness the historical moment together. The district administration also brought out a procession marking the day.

Chattogram had a festive atmosphere prevailing across the city since morning on the occasion of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

A replica of the Padma Bridge had been set up in the Jamalkhan area in Chattogram. It was built at the initiative of the local ward councillor. Many people flocked to see this replica.

Chattogram City Corporation and the city Awami League made arrangements to broadcast the inauguration ceremony of the bridge at various important corners of the city on the big screen.

In Chapainwabganj, a colourful rally was held in Chapainawabganj town on the occasion of the inauguration of Padma Bridge. At 8:30 am, the rally started from Greenview High School ground and ended at the old stadium.

Deputy Commissioner AKM Galib Khan, Superintendent of Police AHM Abdur Rakib, District Awami League president Ziaur Rahman and thousands of people from social, and cultural organisations and educational institutions took part in the rally.