Padma Bridge museum foundation laid at Jajira point
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, MP, laid the foundation stone of the Padma Bridge Museum at the Jajira end of the bridge and inaugurated a tree plantation programme at the Padma Bridge site office today (11 May).
The programme was organised under the Bridge Division's tree plantation initiative, taken in line with the prime minister's plan to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years, according to a press release.
State Minister Md Razib Ahsan, MP, and Shariatpur-1 lawmaker Sayeed Ahmed attended the event as special guests.
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Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf chaired the programme.
The Padma Bridge, the country's largest bridge, directly connects the south-western region with the capital.
The 6.15km bridge has brought major changes to communication, trade and the economy, the release said.
Under the plantation programme, one lakh fruit, timber and medicinal trees will be planted on both ends of the Padma Bridge over the next five years.
The initiative aims to protect environmental balance, conserve biodiversity, address the adverse impacts of climate change and expand green coverage in the bridge area.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the museum would preserve the history, engineering excellence and national significance of the Padma Bridge for future generations.
"Our future generation will draw inspiration from this museum about patriotism and self-reliance," he said.
He said the tree plantation programme would help turn the bridge area into an environment-friendly green zone.
Speaking as a special guest, Md Razib Ahsan said the Padma Bridge is a unique example of engineering excellence and would serve as an open learning centre for researchers and students.
Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the museum would preserve large machinery used in the bridge construction, digital archives, rare photographs and other documents related to the project.
The museum will be constructed at the Jajira end of the bridge in Shariatpur district with funding from the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
The project period has been set from 1 April 2026 to 1 April 2028.
The museum will preserve documents, rare photographs, digital models, construction materials, research resources, natural samples and biodiversity-related materials linked to the Padma Bridge.
Shariatpur District Council Administrator
Sardar AKM Nasir Uddin, Shariatpur Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum, senior officials of the Bridge Division and Bangladesh Bridge Authority, local administration representatives, dignitaries, journalists, and officials and employees of the site office attended the event.
