Costly mega projects taken during the Awami League government, including the Padma Bridge, Padma Rail Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Payra Port, have had adverse impacts on the market, contributing to economic instability, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin reiterated on Sunday. “The projected toll collection from the Padma Rail Bridge was Tk 1,400 crore, but only Tk 26 crore has been realised so far. It was claimed that the Padma Bridge would raise GDP by 2 percent; instead, GDP has declined. “Analyse it yourselves — what did the country actually gain in return for the Padma Bridge? Asked about a Tk 786 crore project to construct three new buildings for future ministers, the adviser said he was completely unaware of the matter.
