The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in addition to its earlier commitments, is considering more funds for the construction of the Padma Bridge. The assurance came during a meeting between Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain and an eight-member ADB delegation led by Director of South Asian Transport and Communications (SATC) Kazuhio Higuchi and Country Director BRM Paul J Hey Ten at the secretariat in the city. Secretary of Rail Division M Abdul Karim, Secretary of Roads and Highways Department ASM Ali Kabir, Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways Munshi Mustafizur Rahman were present at the meeting. Referring to the construction work of the bridge beginning next year, the minister said the government has taken all necessary steps to complete the work within the tenure of the present government. Consultants have already been appointed to prepare the design for the bridge, he said. The minister also said development partners have also assured Dhaka of providing about US$ 1,200 million, out of total 1,800 million dollars. He thanked the ADB delegation for increasing the financial support. The meeting also discussed the progress of ADB-assisted various development projects in the communications sector. The minister also sought ADB support for installation of rail lines on both sides of the Padma Bridge, construction of the rail-cum-road at Kalurghat in Chittagong, and development of Nabinagar-Chandra-Bangabandhu Bridge-Hatikamrul Road and Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga Road.