Immediately repair all faulty bridges: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to repair all old and risky bridges across the country an on urgent basis.

She also ordered the Bridges Division and the Railway Ministry to immediately carry out a survey to identify dilapidated bridges.

The instruction came days after several carriages of an express train fell off a bridge in Moulvibazar, leaving at least five people dead. 

The PM issued the directives while chairing a weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in the city.

“She asked them to repair all risky bridges before the upcoming rainy season,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting.

The planning minister said the Ecnec approved 10 projects involving Tk 6,967.23 crore.

The projects include the repair of 21 metre-gauge diesel electric locomotives of the Bangladesh Railway, aiming to improve the service and speed of trains.

Hailing the Bangladesh cricket team’s performance, especially that of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, the premier wished to set up a fund for the cricketers so that they do not suffer in their old ages.

She also directed the finance ministry to formulate another fund under which sportsmen will get the scope to practice after their retirement, Mannan added.  

The Ecnec also approved a project for enhancing Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s capacity to combat terrorism and to ensure public security at an estimated cost of Tk79.66 crore.

Under this project, 10 armored personal carriers (APCs) and 20 escort vehicles and five flood light vehicles will be purchased.