Moniruzzaman Monir

The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project stands as a landmark achievement in the history of communication infrastructure development in Bangladesh. It is not just a railway line—it is an economic corridor, a stream of development, and the long-awaited fulfillment of a dream for the people of southern Bangladesh. Implemented at a cost of approximately BDT 1.33 trillion, this project is one of the largest and most complex engineering endeavors in the country. Its successful completion has opened up a new horizon of possibilities for the nation.

However, at a time when the project has reached the peak of its success, certain vested interest groups and a section of the media are attempting to create public confusion by misrepresenting the project’s expenditure. Using misleading headlines such as “Audit Objection of BDT 13,000 Crore,” they are engaging in deliberate propaganda. These narratives are intentional, distorted, and represent a dangerous attempt to undermine national development.

The Bangladesh Railway Retired Officials’ Society strongly condemns this propaganda.

Project Cost and the So-Called ‘Audit Objection’: A Breakdown : 

The recent so-called audit objection highlighted in the media centers around 42 expenditure categories and 7 items of additional spending. The total cost of the project is approximately BDT 1.33 trillion, all of which was spent in categories approved and recognized by the relevant authorities. The main issues raised in the audit are:

Increased expenditure in land acquisition beyond initial estimates

Spending on underground soil and hydrological analysis

Acquisition of additional land (AGL)

COVID-19-related expenses

Allocation for software and reporting systems

Reserved funds under “Provisioning” or Provisional Sum

Commentary on the so-called “gap allowance”

Most of these expenses were pre-planned, aligned with international standards, and were part of the necessary adjustments to address real-life project implementation challenges.

Engineering Realities and Rational Responses to Audit Objections:

1. Expenses in Line with International-Standard Projects Are Normal

This project involved earthquake-resilient railway lines, hydrological and geo-technical testing, river training, tunneling, construction of multiple stations, logistical support, and complex technical integration. Even in developed nations, such projects typically involve additional costs, particularly when situated in geologically challenging regions between rivers and flatlands.

2. Additional Land (AGL) Is Essential for Project Sustainability

Acquiring Additional Grand of Land (AGL) is part of long-term maintenance and expansion planning. Future requirements such as line extensions, safety buffers, sidings, signaling systems, and substations all necessitate such land. Labeling this as “unnecessary expenditure” reveals a lack of engineering knowledge.

3. COVID-19 Expenditure—A Symbol of Success, Not Failure

While the world was under lockdown, the Government of Bangladesh continued the project by following health guidelines. Although expenses slightly increased due to protective gear, worker accommodation, medical support, and transportation, the decision to keep the project running prevented major future losses. This spending should be seen as a success, not a failure.

4. Spending on Information Management Is Part of Modern Project Oversight

Document Management Systems (DMS), reporting software, cloud servers, and project monitoring tools are vital components of international-standard projects. Calling these unnecessary reflects either ignorance or a deliberate attempt to confuse the public.

5. Provisioning Expenses Are Globally Recognized and Policy-Based

Globally, large projects keep reserved funds under “Provisioning” to tackle unforeseen costs. This is not corruption, but a strategic management practice.

Media Propaganda: A Dangerous Anti-State Narrative : 

Recently, certain media outlets and online portals have been propagating misinformation. With headlines such as “BDT 13,000 Crore Corruption,” they are severely demoralizing the workers and officials involved in the project.

False headlines are misleading the public.

The sacrifices of engineers, workers, and officials are being discredited.

National achievements are being tainted, harming the country’s dignity.

This is not just a smear campaign against a project—it is a well-orchestrated media conspiracy against the progress of the nation.

Position of Retired Railway Officials and Call for Public Solidarity : 

Thousands of retired railway families, who have inherited the legacy built by the sweat and blood of their forefathers, stand united against this conspiracy. We cannot remain silent while plots are being made to sabotage the future benefits of our children.

We urge the nation:

Build national solidarity to boost the morale of the engineers and officials involved in the project.

Identify and bring to justice those involved in spreading misinformation.

Publicly disclose a full and transparent analysis of the project’s expenditure.

The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is more than just a railway line—it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s capability, confidence, and progress. Propaganda against this project is an attack on the nation’s growth, future potential, and the people’s aspirations for development.

In this context, we, the railway officials, engineers, workers, and conscious citizens of Bangladesh, declare with one voice:

“We will resist the conspiracy and protect national development.”

The writer is a President, Bangladesh Railway Posso Society( BRPS).