Bangladesh, China sign implementation agreement for ninth Friendship Bridge

Bangladesh and China have signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the Ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening road connectivity in the country's southern region and boosting regional economic activity.

The agreement was signed at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division on Thursday (June 11).

On behalf of Bangladesh, the agreement was signed by Dr Md Mokhles Ali, joint secretary (Foreign Assistance Wing) of the Road Transport and Highways Division, while Counsellor Song Yang of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka signed on behalf of China.

Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen were present at the signing ceremony, alongside senior officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Roads and Highways Department and other relevant agencies.

Under the project, the bridge will be constructed over the Lohalia River downstream of the Boga ferry terminal on the Lebukhali–Bauphal–Galachipa–Amragachia district highway (Z-8806) in Dumki upazila of Patuakhali district.

The planned infrastructure will span approximately 2.62 kilometres, including a 1.348-kilometre main bridge and 1.272 kilometres of approach roads.

According to official sources, the Chinese government will provide grant financing for the construction of the bridge and its approach roads, while the Bangladesh government will bear the costs of land acquisition, utility relocation and other associated expenditures.

Authorities said a Chinese-designated firm will prepare the detailed engineering design in the next phase, while the development project proposal (DPP) formulation process is already underway.

Officials expect the project to significantly improve road connectivity across the southern region, reducing travel time and transportation costs while enhancing access to markets and services.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to accelerate economic activities in agriculture, fisheries, trade and tourism, further strengthening regional development and connectivity.