Bangladesh, China sign agreement for 9th friendship bridge construction.
Bangladesh and China today signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the “9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge”, aiming to upgrade the road communication network and boost regional economic activities in the country's southern region.
Dr. Md. Moksed Ali, Joint Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at a ceremony held in the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division.
The bridge is expected to play a vital role in the overall socio-economic development of the southern region and significantly contribute to the national economy.
The proposed 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge will be constructed over the Lohalia River, downstream of the Baga Ferry Ghat, at the 14th kilometer of the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachia District Highway in Patuakhali district.
The total length of the proposed project is approximately 2.62 kilometers. This includes a main bridge structure spanning about 1.348 kilometers and an approach road of around 1.272 kilometers.
Under the project, the Government of China will provide grants to fund the construction of the main bridge and the approach road. On the other hand, the Government of Bangladesh will bear the expenses for land acquisition, utility shifting, and other incidental costs. Following the signing of the agreement, China's nominated institution will complete the detailed design formulation and finalization of the bridge.
Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, were present at the ceremony.
Senior representatives from the Economic Relations Division, the Roads and Highways Department, the Road Transport and Highways Division, and the Chinese Government also attended the event.
