Celebrations in Barisal

The JAICA (Japan Internat-ional Cooperation Agency) selected the site after survey.

The victory celebration was organized by the Barisal Divisional Committee for Padma Bridge at Mawa.

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People from all classes including students and teachers of different educational institutions spontaneously participated in the programme.

A big gathering was held in front of Aswani Kumar Hall on the occasion.

Golam Mawla, convener of the committee, presided over the meeting, addressed by district BNP secretary advocate Nazrul Islam Rajon, cultural personality Mintu Bose, Barisal Reporters Unity Secretary Shawkat Milton, journalist Tawfiq Maruf, freedom fighter Nurul Alam Farid, Saifur Rahman Miron and S M Iqbal.

The speakers thanked the JAICA and Bangladesh government for their "right decision" to construct the Padma bridge at Mawa.

They said quick implementation of the decision will change the socio-economic condition of the region, reactivate Mongla Port and develop tourism in Kuakata and the Sundarbans.

It will benefit 5.5 core people of 21 districts of southern region, they said.

After the gathering, a colorful victory procession was brought out. Thousands of people from all works of life marched the city streets carrying banners, festoons and replicas of the proposed Padma bridge.

In the afternoon, cultural programs were presented by different cultural groups at the Bijoy Manch (victory stage), erected on the premises of Aswani Kumar hall. A large number of people enjoyed the programmes till midnight.