Will sacrifice my life for people’s betterment: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday vowed that she would sacrifice her life, if necessary, to improve the fate of people of the country.

“I am promising that I would sacrifice my life to ensure progress of people’s fate,” Hasina expressed her determination while addressing a public rally at Jajira point of Madaripur this afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister inaugurated the Padma Multipurpose Bridge after attending the grand opening ceremony at Mawa end.

She categorically said that the Padma Bridge is a befitting answer to the people who had opposed the construction work of the bridge by Bangladesh's own finance.

Terming the country’s people as the main source of power, Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League, said that she believes in people’s power and the Padma Bridge is an outcome of that spirit.

“Many people had criticised me when I stepped up to construct the bridge. At last, I was able to reply to them. This is the befitting reply to them,” Hasina said, mentioning that Dr Mohammad Yunus was one of the pessimists.

Hasina also blasted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia as she stopped the construction work of the bridge. “Khaleda said Padma Bridge will not be constructed. Today, I ask her to come here and see Padma Bridge.”

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, lawmaker from Madaripur-1 constituency, also spoke at the programme.

While addressing a gathering at Mawa end marking the grand opening of the Padma Bridge, Hasina called the Padma Bridge as a symbol of pride, honour and ability of Bangladesh as the bridge now stands on the mighty Padma river confronting all conspiracies.

“Ignoring many obstacles and breaking the web of conspiracy, today the much-desired bridge stands on the chest of turbulent Padma River,” she said.

“Today, I am happy, proud and overwhelmed along with millions of people of the country,” she added.

The bridge belongs to the people of Bangladesh and it involves our passion, creativity, courage, endurance and perseverance of all, she said.

“Because, you (countrymen) are by my side, I have the courage to make this impossible possible. And my father, the Father of the Bangalee Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and my mother Begum Fazilatun Nessa have given me courage and blessings from the heaven,” she said.