STAFF CORRESPONDENT

As the Padma Bridge is being prepared for opening, the government is set to invite BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Nobel Peace Laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and World Bank President David R Malpass, among others, at the inauguration of Padma Bridge on June 25.

The authorities will start sending invites from Thursday, Obaidul Quader, minister for road transport and bridges, said today.

The general secretary of ruling Awami League also said Bangladesh foreign missions abroad will invite some foreigners in this regard. “However, no president or prime minister of other countries will be invited.”

Quader was speaking at a press conference held at the service area-1 of the Bridge’s Mawa end.

He also said they were apprehensive about possible sabotage centring the inauguration and the authorities concerned are investigating into the matter.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the bridge on June 25, which will be open to public at 6:00am the following day, Quader said.

Stages were being set at the Mawa end in this regard.