Padma Bridge: It’ll boost growth, reduce poverty

The Padma Bridge will boost inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty in Bangladesh, Mercy Tembon, World Bank country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, said yesterday.

"As a long-standing development partner of Bangladesh, the World Bank recognises the many benefits the Padma Bridge brings to the people and economy of Bangladesh by boosting inclusive growth and reducing poverty," she said.

Tembon shared her immediate reaction with The Daily Star following the inauguration of the bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Constructed at a cost of Tk 30,193 crore from the state coffers, the 6.15km bridge connects the southern region with the rest of the country.

The World Bank initially agreed to co-finance the project but later backtracked on it. The government then decided to construct it with its own funds.