The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has paid back a loan amounting Tk317 crore to the government, given for the construction of the Padma Bridge.
The money was given back on Wednesday as the first and second instalments of the loan.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the cheque.
Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader handed over the cheque to the premier at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said the Padma Bridge is not just an infrastructure, but a symbol of pride for Bangladesh.
The prime minister added that Bangladesh will march ahead facing every hurdle with the people's support. "The construction of the Padma Bridge with our own funds is its best example."
The total cost of constructing the bridge with internal financing is Tk30,193 crore. Out of this, Tk300 crore came from aid. The remaining Tk29,893.38 crore was given as loans by the Finance Division.
The BBA and finance division signed the agreement on August 29, 2019.
Under the contract, the bridge department will return this amount in 35 years with a 1% interest. Government debt repayment will be completed in the 2056-57 financial year.
The prime minister inaugurated the Padma Bridge on June 25, 2022.
