Dhaka, July 27 -- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strong political commitment to implement the Padma Barrage and the Second Padma Bridge, saying the projects are vital for millions living in southern Bangladesh.

Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the lives and livelihoods of nearly 80 million people are linked to these long-awaited infrastructure projects.

"Despite seven feasibility studies, there is still no final decision. This is extremely unfortunate," the veteran politician said at the event, organised by the National Committee for Implementation of Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali.

Fakhrul stressed that the Farakka Barrage, located upstream in In...