Bangladesh Knowledge Forum (BKF) at its monthly meeting credited the Padma Bridge for adding important dimensions to knowledge endeavours, inclusivity and sustainable development of Bangladesh.
BKF views the Padma Bridge as an adequate manifestation of Bangladesh's strong economic resilience, strength, potential for higher economic growth and enhanced competitiveness, said a media release on Wednesday.
In its monthly meeting held on July 2, BKF termed the Padma Bridge a significant infrastructural expansion that will spur higher economic growth in the medium term and facilitate the transition to high-income developed country status by 2041.
This infrastructure will have a significant impact on agricultural productivity, manufacturing, trade and services by strengthening domestic connectivity, reducing poverty, and creating employment, entrepreneurial and business opportunities.
BKF suggested supportive measures to expedite achieving economic and social gains through the use of this bridge – efficient managerial and technical support for high-quality maintenance,easy access to soft credit and capital for entrepreneurs, special incentives for SMEs, trade and services and relocation of branches of financial, public and private sector institutions.
BKF believes further decentralization will propel the economic and social development of Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by BKF President Dr Mohammed Parvez Imdad, Senior Vice President Niaz Rahim, vice presidents Ali Ashfaq and Advocate Seema Chowdhury, Secretary General Prof Shamsad Mortuza, Treasurer Quazi Md Mahmud Faisal, executive directors Advocate Soliman Hossain, economist Md Golam Mortaza and Md Saidur Rahman, Joint Secretary General Rezvi Newaz, and Executive Member Nawshiba Arnob.