RANGPUR, June 25, 2022 (BSS) - Spectacular programmes and cultural presentations today turned Rangpur into a city of festivity and jubilation as elsewhere across the country on the occasion of inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

The district administration chalked out colorful programmes including live screening of the inauguration function of the Padma Bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Mawa point on a vast canvas set up on the Celebration Mancha at Rangpur Zilla School ground.

The programmes also included releasing balloons and pigeons, competitions on essay writing, drawing and poem recitation for children, pleasant cultural functions with rendering songs and dances composed about the Padma Bridge and display of fireworks.
 
The main city streets, important places, road islands, government, autonomous, private and others buildings have been decorated and illuminated and gates with replicas of the Padma Bridge and branding festoons were set up marking inauguration of the dream bridge.

In the morning, a glorious rally led by Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdul Wahab Bhuiyan was brought out on the main streets from Town Hall premises to Zila School ground in the city.

Government officials and employees, leaders of Awami League and other parties, students, sociocultural, volunteer and professional organizations and civil society members participated in the rally.

Deputy Inspector General of Rangpur Range Police Devdas Bhattacharya, Additional Police Commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Md. Mehedul Karim, Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib Ahsan, Chief Executive Officer of Rangpur City Corporation Md Ruhul Amin Miah, Superintendent of Police Md. Ferdous Ali Chowdhury, District Awami League President Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, City Awami League President Safiur Rahman Safi, its General Secretary Tushar Kanti Mandal, Panel Mayor of Rangpur Mahmudur Rahman Titu, other officials and hundreds of people were present.

Shortly after the official inauguration of the Padma Bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, balloons were flown and pigeons were released by high officials on Rangpur Zilla School ground.

Talking to BSS on Zila School ground, youth Rafiul Islam Ony said the opening of the long-cherished Padma Bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has definitely introduced Bangladesh as a capable state with self-dignity in the international arena.

 
City Awami League president Safiur Rahman Safi said the inauguration of the Padma Bridge is a matter of pride not only for the people of the south but for the entire country.
 
"After achieving independence through the War of Liberation in 1971 under leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, people of Bangladesh once again showed their ability and self-respect under the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he said.

District Awami League President Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed said defeating all conspiracies both at home and abroad, the construction of Padma Bridge became possible for the courage and determination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
 
"With inauguration of the Padma Bridge, a long-cherished dream of people has come true proving that Bangladesh is capable to become a developed country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on time," he added.