‘It’s another feather in the country’s cap’

stablish Smart Bangladesh, and that means it added a new dimension," she said.

Fourthly, the PM said Bangladesh has entered the era of speedy trains. "The highest speed of this metro rail will be 110km per hour."

Hasina said in the election pledges, the AL declared that it would take various steps to make Dhaka city free from traffic congestion.

"We have taken up six metro rail line projects which will be implemented by 2030."

She said metro rail is environment friendly and it will not cause any harm to the environment.

The PM said the number of personal vehicles has gone up because of people's improved financial conditions.

Special measures have been taken for the differently-abled people so they can easily travel by metro rail, she said, adding that a separate carriage has been introduced for women.

Hasina said freedom fighters can travel by metro for free.

She said the government has taken measures to develop efficient work force to operate the metro rail shunning the dependency on foreigners.

"Employment for around 12,000 engineers would be ensured in the metro rail project."

The PM added that a huge amount of money has been invested in the metro rail project.

"Take care of the metro rail while using it. Make sure none can litter. I'm urging all to use it maintaining rules."

Recalling the militant attack on Holey Artisan and the killings of seven Japanese consultants, the PM prayed for the salvation of their departed souls and expressed her gratitude to late prime minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. She said Abe always played a great role in Bangladesh's development.

"The construction work of the metro rail had started at the directive of Abe within a few days of the Holey Artisan attack," Hasina said.

The duo are seen among ministers, government high-ups, and dignitaries inside a train car during their trip to Agargaon Station. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said through the opening of the metro rail, the Awami League government has put another feather in Bangladesh's cap.

"We have put another feather in the cap of development of Bangladesh," she said while addressing a programme marking the inauguration of the country's first metro rail at Uttara sector-15 playground.

"Through casting votes for boat, you have given the Awami League a chance to serve you. For that I'm expressing my gratitude towards all people and voters," Hasina said.

Flanked by her sister Sheikh Rehana, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina buys the first ticket for metro rail at the Uttara North Station yesterday. Rehana bought the second ticket. Photo: PID

She mentioned that with the inauguration of metro rail, the people of Bangladesh touched four technological milestones.

Firstly, metro rail itself is a milestone. Secondly, the country has entered the era of electric trains.

"Thirdly, the metro rail will be operated remotely using the digital system. As a result, this will be used to implement our pledge to

She added that a monument with the names of them (Japanese killed in the attack) has been built in Diabari.

The PM said her government is determined to build Smart Bangladesh by 2041 and the metro rail is one of the steps towards the goal.

Hasina said her government is working with short-, mid- and long-term plans for ensuring overall development of the country.

"Due to the pragmatic steps of my government, Bangladesh has turned around over the last 14 years."

The premier vowed to build a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041 maintaining the status of a developing nation confronting all hurdles.

Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori, Chief Representative of Jica Bangladesh office Ichiguchi Tomohide, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd MAN Siddique, and Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri also spoke at the programme.

PM's younger sister Sheikh Rehana accompanied her.

A documentary on metro rail was screened at the event.