Deal inked to transform southern connectivity

The 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge will be built over the Lohalia River, downstream of the Boga ferry terminal in Patuakhali, with Chinese grants to establish road connectivity with the country's southern region.

An agreement in this connection was signed on Thursday between Bangladesh and China in the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD), marking a significant milestone to transform connectivity and accelerate economic activities in the south.

The bridge is expected to reduce travel time and costs, opening new doors for agriculture, fisheries, trade, and tourism, ultimately contributing to the country's overall socio-economic development and national economy.

RTHD Joint Secretary (Foreign Aid branch) Dr Md Mokshed Ali and Counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh Song Yang signed the document on behalf of their respective nations.

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.

The proposed 2.62km bridge, comprising 1.34 kilometres of main bridge and 1.27 kilometres of approach roads, will be constructed to connect the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachia highway in Patuakhali.

Currently, thousands of residents and traders from Bauphal, Galachipa, and Dashmina upazilas rely on the Boga ferry terminal to transport agricultural goods and fish.

Under the agreement, the government of China will provide the necessary funding as grants 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