Agreement signed for 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge to transform connectivity in southern region
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The 9th China Bangladesh Friendship Bridge will be built over the Lohalia River, downstream of the Boga ferry terminal to establish road connectivity with the country's southern region.
An agreement was signed today between Bangladesh and China for the construction of the Friendship Bridge, at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways (RTHD).
The signing of the agreement marked a significant milestone to transform the connectivity for accelerating economic activities.
The over 2-kilometre bridge is expected to reduce travel time and costs, opening new doors for agriculture, fisheries, trade, and tourism, ultimately contributing to the overall socio-economic development and national economy of the country.
Dr. Md. Mokshed Ali, Joint Secretary (Foreign Aid Branch) of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and. Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, signed the document on behalf of their respective countries.
RTHD Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, along with senior officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) were present at the ceremony.
The proposed bridge will be constructed over the Lohalia River, downstream of the Boga ferry terminal, at the 14th kilometer of the Lebukhali–Bauphal–Galachipa–Amragachia district highway (Z-8806) in Patuakhali district. Currently, hundreds of thousands of residents and traders from Bauphal, Galachipa, and Dashmina upazilas rely on the Boga ferry to transport agricultural goods and fish.
The 2.62 kilometers bridge will consist a 1.348 km main bridge and 1.272 km of approach roads.
Under the agreement, the Government of China will provide the necessary funding as a grant for the construction of the bridge and approach roads, while the Government of Bangladesh will cover costs related to land acquisition, utility relocation, and other incidental expenses.
smunima@yahoo.com