8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge officially handed over to Bangladesh govt

The eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge has been officially handed over to the Bangladesh government. 

The signing of the "Certificate of Handover and Acceptance of the China-aid Project of the 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge" by the two governments took place on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Chinese mission in Bangladesh. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen jointly witnessed the signing. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming and Bangladesh Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri signed the document on behalf of the two governments, the statement read. 

Constructed by China Railway 17th Bureau Group Co Ltd and managed by China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance and Design Institute Co Ltd, the bridge is the eighth one aided by the government of China to Bangladesh.

The 2.96-km bridge over the Kocha River is located 185km southwest of Dhaka in Pirojpur connects the Khulna and Barishal divisions. 

Local residents, who now use ferries and boats to cross the river, will benefit immensely once the bridge is opened to traffic, as it would cut travel time to just minutes.

The bridge is expected to significantly improve local traffic conditions.

The bridge will also promote regional connectivity as well as the development of agriculture, industry, aquaculture, fishery and tourism in southern Bangladesh, the statement said. 

Dhaka Tribune