Bangladesh, China sign deal for 9th friendship bridge over Lohalia river

Bangladesh and China today signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the “9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge”, aimed at improving road connectivity in the southern region and boosting local economic activity.

The signing ceremony was held this morning at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

Md Moksed Ali, joint secretary of the Foreign Aid Wing of the Road Transport and Highways Division, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh. Song Yang, counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, signed it on behalf of the Chinese government.

According to the Road Transport and Highways Division, the proposed bridge will be built downstream of the Boga ferry ghat at the 14-kilometre point of the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachhia district highway.

For years, thousands of people and traders in Patuakhali’s Bauphal, Galachipa and Dashmina upazilas have depended on the Boga ferry ghat to transport agricultural produce, fish and daily essentials.

The bridge is expected to make travel in the area faster, safer and more convenient. The project will span around 2.62 kilometres, including a 1.348-kilometre main bridge and 1.272 kilometres of approach roads.

The Chinese government will provide grant financing for the construction of the main bridge and approach roads. The Bangladesh government will bear the costs of land acquisition, utility relocation and other related works.

In the next phase, an organisation nominated by the Chinese government will prepare and finalise the detailed design of the bridge.

Work is also underway to prepare the development project proposal. Construction will begin after the required procedures are completed, officials said.

The bridge is expected to reduce travel time and transport costs, facilitate the movement of goods, and support agriculture, fisheries, trade and tourism in the southern region.

Officials said the bridge would also contribute to the region's socio-economic development.

Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and senior representatives from the Economic Relations Division, Roads and Highways Department, Road Transport and Highways Division, and the Chinese government were also present at the ceremony.