Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury  said that the whole nation is eagerly waiting for the opening festival of the Padma Bridge, as the proud moment will be celebrated through a colossal celebration.

"The the inauguration of the Padma Bridge will be celebrated in every district on 25th June, which is a matter of great joy for the people of the country," he said while visiting the Banglabazar ghat in Shibchar here this morning. "More than one million people will gather at the public meeting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the day...All kinds of preparations have been taken for the overall presence and safety of the people," he added.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was present among others at the time.

While talking to the newsmen, Khalid said, "In the last 13 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country has witnessed unprecedented development in communication system. These are 10,000 km of waterways, development of 37 rivers and seaports, 6-lane and 4-lane roads, new international air routes including Bangladesh-Canada and most recently the Padma Bridge. The nation is longing to witness the proud moment."

   Asked what will happen to Shimulia Ghat once Padma Bridge is opened, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, "The Shimulia ferry terminal will remain open as the demand for ferries across the country is increasing gradually. Also a tourism-centric eco-zone will be set up in Shimulia to attract the tourists."

As per the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, employment opportunities will be created for people on the both sides (Banglabazar and Shimulia) of the river, so that no one becomes unemployed because of the bridge," Khalid added.

Administrator of Madaripur District Council Munir Chowdhury, Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Commodore Golam Sadeq and Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur Dr Rahima Khatun were also present, among others, on the occasion.