Connecting the nation

It is good to learn that the Padma Bridge Rail Link project, a 172km railway link being built to connect capital Dhaka to Jessore in the country's south-west, is on course to be completed in June 2024.

There is no doubting the positive impact the Padma Bridge has had on the entirety of Bangladesh ever since its inauguration.

From trade to tourism, it has opened a part of the country that had remained difficult to access, and its impact is set to only grow with each year.

And with the completion of the rail, there is yet another avenue for the region to be better connected -- and will in particular be a significant boon to trade and connectivity.

However, while there is certainly reason for optimism with regard to the completion of this project, it is imperative that we remain on course - meaning no further delays and no more increase in the cost.

As with most projects undertaken in Bangladesh, we fail repeatedly to stay within time and budget - often going over by eye-watering margins.

The Padma Bridge Rail Link itself has had a cost evaluation and we have already gone over the initial budget and also timeline.

Bangladesh's trend of going over budget and duration when it comes to implementing its plans does not inspire confidence, particularly to international investors.

This could have an impact on attracting future investments into the country - something that will only grow in importance as we graduate to a middle-income country in the next few years.

As the nation continues to develop and move forward, if we are to continue at our pace, our infrastructure and connectivity must continue to improve.

While the authorities concerned deserve plaudits for their focus, remaining within budget and on time for future megaprojects must also be prioritized equally.