The collision of a ferry with a pillar of the Padma Bridge took place at a time when the construction of the nationally important structure was nearing completion. According to a number of media reports released in mid-July, the road on the bridge has started to be paved. Laying of slabs on the railway section of the bridge was completed last month. The installation of the last span of the bridge’s main structure was also completed in December last year. At a time when the nation is counting down the hours to the completion of the bridge, the country’s largest communications facility and a symbol of diplomatic dignity and economic potential, such ‘accidents’ are not only unwelcome but also worrying.
There is no denying that it is not easy to navigate a ferry on the mighty Padma, especially during the full monsoon. But shouldn’t there be extra caution when plying water vessels near important installations like the Padma Bridge. Unfortunately, those involved, including the master of the ferry that crashed into the pillars of the Padma Bridge, have failed miserably to show any caution and respect. More worryingly, such incidents happened at least twice in a week. Apart from this, such “negligence” has been seen in the case of navigation of vessels several times before. The good news is that the pillars of the Padma Bridge did not receive any notable damage from the collision. But through this, it is clear that the negligence and carelessness of a particular individual or group can cause irreparable damage to a nationally important installation.
We want to see that the security of the Padma Bridge is not compromised at all. In that case, arrest and interrogation of those involved in the operation of the ferry is an appropriate step. It should not be forgotten that the Padma Bridge is the outcome of our many struggles. Although the current prime minister laid the foundation stone of the Padma Bridge in his first term two decades ago in July 2001, its construction has been repeatedly delayed thanks to domestic and international politics. During her second term, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to overcome many obstacles at home and abroad to implement this project. We observed how bigger international financial institutions withdrew from the project on various pretexts and false allegations. But finally, we have been able to complete the construction of the Padma Bridge with our own funds and with the help of local and foreign technical institutes. It is not to be forgotten that the Padma Bridge is a symbol of our past courage as well as future prosperity.
We know that if this bridge, the longest one in the country connected by roads and railways, is opened, the country’s gross domestic product will increase by 1.2 per cent. Through this bridge, Bangladesh will become the hub of the regional road and rail network in South and South-East Asia. As a result, this structure is not only a source of our emotion, but also a beacon of confidence. Even if we provide the “benefit of the doubt”, assuming that a ferry collision twice a week on the pillars of the Padma Bridge is just an “accident”, indifference to such an important installation cannot be let off. If the ferries of government agencies like the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority are so careless, how can we rely on the rest?
We hope that impeccable measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the bridge by learning lessons from this incident.
