The Bangladesh cricket team touring the Caribbean may be ten thousand miles away from where history has been made today, but that didn't prevent the Tigers from celebrating the inauguration of the Padma Bridge from their end.  

"I will also give a lot of thanks to the ones who were involved with the project, especially the workers. All I've to say is that what you've accomplished will be forever remembered by the Bengali nation."

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— Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh ODI captain

Following a tough day's play on day one of the second and final Test of the series in Gros Islet, Bangladesh team and the coaching staff gathered together to celebrate the construction of the Padma Bridge by cutting a huge cake, which had the imprint of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with the Padma Bridge in the background.

Photo: BCB

"Countless thanks to Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, especially from the people of the southern parts of Bangladesh," said Shakib in a video message posted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.  

"In my opinion, this [Padma Bridge] will be the biggest contributor for the development of the country's south," added the Test skipper.

"And it [construction of the Padma Bridge] was the dream of the entire Bengali nation, which became possible and the credit goes to the Honourable Prime Minister. Here's hoping that the Padma Bridge will drive the Bangladesh economy towards further prosperity."

Bangladesh stalwart Tamim Iqbal was in awe and admiration for the historic accomplishment.  

"In my opinion, it [construction of Padma Bridge] is a massive achievement for Bangladesh. There was a time when we thought whether the Padma Bridge would be constructed or not. But numerous thanks to the Prime Minister since it was for her dedication and effort which made it possible," said the dashing opener, who was the second top-scorer for Bangladesh on the day.

"I will also give a lot of thanks to the ones who were involved with the project, especially the workers. All I've to say is that what you've accomplished will be forever remembered by the Bengali nation," Tamim further said.  

"Again, from me and the Bangladesh cricket team, many, many thanks to the Prime Minister."