The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Acquiring of lands is continuing to start construction of the proposed Padma Bridge in the 2008-09 fiscal year.

This was informed at the 90th board meeting of Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority, held at the Setu Bhaban in the city yesterday with Communications adviser Maj. Gen (retd) M A Matin in the chair, an official handout said.

The meeting discussed the progress of programmes undertaken for construction of the Padma Bridge. Planning Commission has approved the technical assistance project proposal on the bridge's design, it said.

According to the handout, the Padma bridge will be constructed at a cost of Taka about 10,000 crore and the government has got assurance of Taka 6,880 crore as project assistance for it.

The meeting resolved that the responsibility for repairing the cracks in the Jamuna bridge would be determined by the Law ministry keeping in view which organization would be responsible for it as per the agreement during its construction period.

Communications Secretary Dr Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman, ERD Secretary M Aminul Islam, Planning Commission Member SMA Nasir Uddin, Land Secretary M Mosleh Uddin, Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary M Mohsin and also secretaries and senior officials of relevant ministries were present at the meeting.