President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Tuesday greeted all who were involved in the implementation of the country's first-ever elevated metro rail as the rail will be inaugurated today (Wednesday).
"I convey my sincere greetings to all those involved in the implementation of the (metro rail) project, including the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD). Another success of the people-friendly government has been achieved with the inauguration of the metro rail," he said in a message issued Tuesday.
The head of the state said the 'grand opening' of the country's first Metrorail Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line-6 from Uttara to Agargaon is a unique milestone in the development of the country's communication system.
Lauding the present government for introducing such rail, the president added that it is a timely initiative of the government to introduce a fast, safe, reliable, air-conditioned, time-saving, electric, environment-friendly and remotely controlled state-of-the-art public transport system to alleviate the traffic congestion in the densely-populated metropolis of Dhaka and its surrounding districts.
"The journey of Metrorail will add a different dimension and pace to the transport system of Dhaka metropolis alongside saving the working hours of city dwellers," he said.
About the dreams of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said Bangabandhu's worthy daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working tirelessly to fulfil the dreams of Father of the Nation.
Under her visionary and efficient leadership, the country is moving forward in the implementation of 'Vision 2041', he said.
As a result of the prudence, right direction and courageous leadership of the incumbent government, the smooth construction of metro rail has become possible in the densely populated Dhaka metropolis, he mentioned.
He appreciated the combined efforts of the government, Dhaka city dwellers and stakeholders because, without these efforts, the timely inauguration of MRT line-6 or the Uttara (North) to Agargaon section of Bangladesh's first metro rail would not have been possible.
The metro rail is going to open (for all) before its scheduled time by overcoming many hurdles including the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recession, he added.
He hoped that with the launch of metro rail, there will be positive changes in the communication and socio-economic system of Dhaka metropolis and the country.
"It will be beneficial in business, especially in investment," Hamid continued.
The auspicious inauguration of Uttara to Agargaon section of Metrorail in the month of victory is a unique gift of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the nation, he mentioned.
"I am expecting the implementation of the entire section of Uttara to Kamlapur of the first metro rail of Bangladesh within the stipulated time," he said.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said 'Metrorail', a symbol of Bangladesh's pride and aspiration, is a unique milestone in Bangladesh's city mass transport system.
The inauguration of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6 or Bangladesh's first metro rail is a long-awaited dream of the people of Dhaka city, the Premier said.
"The dream of the city-dwellers is fulfilled today with the auspicious inauguration of MRT Line-6 from Uttara to Agargaon part," she added.
She extended her sincere greetings to the people of the country on this auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the metro rail.
Recalling the contribution of the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the country, she said Bangabandhu had initiated the development journey of reconstruction of war-torn Bangladesh by giving the highest priority to the country's transport and communication sector in the First Five Year Plan.
Following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the Awami League-led government has been able to take the communication system to a higher level, she said.
Keeping the slogan "Sobar Jonno Metrorail" in mind, she said Dhaka Metrorail has included all the necessary facilities for people with special needs like the developed world.
To ensure the safe and comfortable travel of women passengers in metro rail, every metro train has a dedicated women's coach, she added.
On July 1, 2016, seven Japanese consultants working on MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 sacrificed their lives in an unexpected tragedy at Gulshan Holy Artisan Restaurant, she mentioned.
"In their memory, we have installed a memorial at the Metrorail Exhibition and Information Center at Uttara Diabari here under a joint initiative of the Governments of Bangladesh and Japan, which will later be shifted to the new Bazar interline connecting station of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5: Northern Route," she continued.
"My sincere condolences to their family members and deep respect to those, who sacrificed their lives," the premier said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wished continued prosperity of the metro rail in the days to come.
