‘This is a blessing to us all’

Yesterday, the dream of a nation was finally fulfilled. After many years of anticipation, the Padma Bridge has finally been opened to the public.

Alongside everyone, celebrities have also expressed their own thoughts and opinions on the opening of this wonderful bridge. All of the celebrities expressed their joy at the Padma Bridge's inauguration, and gave credit to the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for accomplishing the dream of a nation.

The Padma Bridge is a blessing to us all: Jaya Ahsan

If I had to express my feelings in one word, it would be pride. In the same manner that we should pride ourselves as Bengalis, we should also be proud of the Padma Bridge. Because of this bridge, the world will get to know Bangladesh better.

The Padma is the queen of rivers in Bangladesh. I have many memories that are intertwined with the Padma River. My grandfather's house was in Gopalganj, so whenever I visited him, I would have to cross the Padma River. There are many memories from my childhood that are centred around the Padma River. I distinctly remember its beautiful waves, which I would see on my way to Gopalganj, and then on the way back to Dhaka. I had not seen the sea as a child, so I would think that this river was the sea.

The Padma Bridge will not only be a blessing on the lives of people from the Southern districts of the country, rather it will be a blessing on all our lives.

Fahmida Nabi reminisces childhood memories of crossing the Padma River

My grandfather was settled in Khulna's Phultola, and abba used to take us there once or twice a year, to visit them. We used to go there by crossing the Padma River, using the ferry. Those memories are still so fresh to me. On the ferry, we used to have lots of fun, we would have lunch with rice and hilsha, which I will always remember fondly.

Little did we know, that a bridge would ever be built on this river. As a Bangladeshi, I feel extremely proud to have witnessed the creation of this bridge. I have voiced a song about the Padma Bridge, and have also performed on BTV's live programme during the inauguration ceremony.

Padma Bridge gives me hope: Rozina

People of 19 districts, who live on the other side of the river, have always dreamt of having easy access to cross this river. There were many hurdles before the construction of this bridge, such as traffic, extreme weather conditions, lack of transport facilities, etc. Now that the bridge is here, it will be a lot easier to travel.

Omar Sani recounts his travels across the Padma

Due to this bridge, the people of Barisal and Khulna will be benefited greatly. In the past, fish from Bhola would rot on its way to Dhaka. Now, it will no longer be the case. I am from the Barisal region, and in the past, I've had to cross the Padma River to get home. At times, I would have to spend hours upon hours at the docks. Now, this scenario will not happen anymore.

A tale of pride and glory: Riaz

The Padma Bridge was built using our country's money. What can be a greater tale of pride and glory than this?  I have many memories of crossing the Padma River. Whenever I crossed the river, I would put my hand in the water, out of my childlike curiosity. It was since my childhood, that I have a deep love for the Padma River.