Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge has brought new hope by bringing the curtain down on years of suffering and agony endured by the people of the country's southwestern region.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally opened the much-desired Bangamata Bridge over River Kacha at Bekutia in Pirojpur on September 4.
The bridge has made communication easy with Kolkata in India for the people living in this area. All of south and its people will greatly benefit from the bridge
After starting the bridge, various business establishments including restaurants have been built on both sides of the bridge.
The bridge is expected to help develop the businesses and industries which are based in Barishal, Jhalakathi and Pirojpur at a fast pace.
It has also helped establish direct road connectivity among Kuakata Sea beach, Payra deep sea port, Mongla seaport and the country's largest land port Benapole.
Taking Bangladesh Post, many people said they cannot explain how happy they are as they now travel to Barishal without waiting long hours for crossing the river.
They said people get huge benefits after the opening of this bridge, especially people now in the area can go easily to Barishal to take higher education and get better treatment.
Rafikul Islam, a bus driver on the route, told Bangladesh Post, “we now drive smoothly, without any unnecessary tension and we can save fuel and time. Earlier, we went to Barishal from Khulna for five to six hours. Now it takes only two to three hours.”
Weng Changmin, Deputy Project Manager of China Railway-17 Bureau Group Limited, told Bangladesh Post, “Because of a good relationship between Bangladesh and China, we had a commitment. We have built this 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge when we saw this river between Barisal-Khulna takes 1.5 to 2 hours to cross by ferry.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, it even took a longer time to cross the river. That is why we took up this project and successfully completed it. You can see for yourself how happy the people of the area are and what benefits they are getting after the construction of the bridge.”
He said the construction of the 2.96 km bridge started on 30 June 2018, and completed on 21 May 2022.
Sheikh Mahatab, toll supervisor of the bridge, told Bangladesh Post, “After the opening of the bridge, our capacity will expand and the toll collection process will speed up. Currently, we collect an average Tk 37,000-40,000 per day.”
However, the Roads and Highways Department constructed the bridge at a cost of Tk 894.08 crore.
The Chinese government has given Tk 654.80 crore as project assistance for the bridge while the Bangladesh government shared Tk 239.80 crore.
