Bangladesh and China have signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge to develop the road communication system in the southern region and further accelerate regional economic activities.
Joint secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department (Foreign Assistance Branch) Dr. Md. Moksed Ali, NDC, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Mr. Song Yang signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government at a ceremony held at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Department On Thursday.
Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Yao Wen were present at the ceremony. Officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Roads and Highways Department and related departments also participated.
The proposed 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge will be constructed downstream of the Bogha Ferry Ghat on the Lohalia River at the 14th kilometer of the Lebukhali-Baufal-Golachipa-Amaragachhia District Highway (Z-8806) in Patuakhali district.
The approximately 2.62-kilometer-long project will consist of a 1.348-kilometer-long main bridge and a 1.272-kilometer-long connecting road. Once the bridge is constructed, the long-standing dependence of the people of Baufal, Galachipa and Dashmina upazilas on ferries will be reduced. In addition, the transportation of agricultural products, fisheries and goods will be easier and faster.
According to the agreement, the Chinese government will provide the necessary funding as a grant for the construction of the main bridge and connecting road. On the other hand, the Bangladesh government will bear other expenses including land acquisition, utility transfer.
After the signing of the agreement, the Chinese government-designated institution will prepare and finalize the detailed design of the bridge. The process of preparing the DPP (Development Project Proposal) is also underway. Construction work will begin after the necessary procedures are completed.
Those concerned say that the opening of the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge will bring about a major change in the communication system of the southern region. This will accelerate the development of agriculture, fisheries, trade and commerce and tourism sectors and will play an important role in the overall socio-economic development of the southern region.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
