"No festival, just opening ceremony and rally for Padma Bridge opening"

The government is not going to organise any festival to mark Padma Bridge opening, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said today.

There will just be an opening ceremony and a public rally on June 25, he told reporters at the Secretariat, adding that Padma Bridge has become a "symbol of our ability".

He said people across the country are jubilant as construction of the bridge has become a reality despite opposition from BNP.

"BNP doesn't want any inaugural programme over Padma Bridge opening and they hatched conspiracy to foil its opening. But their conspiracies have been thwarted," said Hasan.

Referring to the flood situation in Sylhet and northern region of the country, Hasan said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the authorities to go all-out to rescue stranded people and provide relief materials to them. The Army has been deployed for rescue operation.

Leaders and activists of Awami League are working in the flood-affected areas alongside the local administration, he said.

A Chhatra League leader died while working in flood-hit areas, he added.