Communications minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said that the government has appointed Bangladesh Army as local consultant for construction of Padma Multipurpose Bridge (PMB) project. “We have appointed Bangladesh Army as local consultant to monitor PMB construction works locally. A total of Tk 25 crore will be given to Bangladesh Army in this regard,” he told reporters at a press conference in the secretariat.
The minister said three international bidders are ready to take part in the tender for the construction of the major portion of PMB. Besides, 11 international consultant farms have already bought tender documents for the PMB project, he said, adding that the technical committee would appoint the consultant for the major construction of PMB after examining the documents.
Construction works of approach road at Mawa point under Munshiganj district would be started very soon, Quader said, adding, “Bangladesh Army is already working as local consultant for construction of approach road at Zazira point of the PMB.”
The minister didn’t disclose the bidder’s names.
Quader said, “Construction of PMB would be as per World Bank’s design and plan. It would be possible to start the construction works of PMB if we don’t wait for the World Bank decision for second times.”
“There is no scope to sign any new agreement on the project. But there is an option for taking loan,” he further said.
Expressing his deep sorrow for the suffering of the Eid holiday makers, the communications minister said, “we are examining to declare holiday for garment workers in phases in future to reduce pressure of transports and sufferings of the home bound passengers during Eid vacations.’
-With The Independent input
