Bangladesh has denied that it is constructing the longest bridge over river Padma with Chinese help. The allegations came up recently in Indian and other media reports, claiming that the bridge over the river Padma is being funded indirectly by China, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Bangladesh denied all accusations. "It has come to the attention of the ministry of foreign affairs that some quarters are trying to portray that the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on June 25 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been constructed with the assistance of foreign funds and is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Ministry of foreign affairs categorically asserts that the Padma Multipurpose Bridge has been entirely funded by the government of Bangladesh and no foreign funds from any other bilateral or multilateral funding agency has financially contributed to its construction. Both Bangladeshi and foreign construction firms were engaged for the implementation of the project," said Dhaka's foreign ministry spokesperson in a statement.
"The completion of this bridge will fulfil the long cherished dream of the nation for connecting the 19 south-western districts with the rest of the country, resulting in collective prosperity, socioeconomic development of Bangladesh as well as enhanced regional connectivity," said the statement.
The ministry, however, did not disclose the countries from which the construction firms were hired from.
However, India's closest neighbour wanted cooperation so that the project becomes a successful one. "[Bangladesh] earnestly hopes that all friends of Bangladesh will join hands in celebrating the completion of this landmark project of Bangladesh, which is all the more special since it has been done entirely by the contribution of the people and the government of Bangladesh."
