The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Munshiganj

Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday formally opened the long-cherished 6th Bangladesh- China Friendship Bridge (Mukterpur Bridge) to traffic over the river Dhaleshwari about 30 kilometres south of the capital.

The two-lane bridge linked Munshiganj with Dhaka city directly by road as well as Narayanganj.

In his inaugural speech, Dr Fakhruddin said the construction of Mukterpur Bridge has brought Munshiganj nearer to Dhaka. He directed the authorities concerned to complete construction of the alternative road network in short time to reduce Munshiganj-Dhaka distance so that local people can reap benefit of the bridge.

The Chief Adviser hoped that Mukterpur bridge will help boost up economic development of Munshiganj, Naraynganj and Dhaka districts accelerating supply line of commodities and services.

As Dr. Fakhruddin was walking on the bridge for some time after the inauguration, hundreds of local people waiting beside the approach road welcomed him waiving their hands. They clapped and expressed their joy over the fulfilment of a long-waiting dream.

The length of the newly constructed bridge is 1,521 metre while width 10 metre. An amount of Taka 208.35 crore has been spent to implement the project of which China contributed Taka 129.20 crore as grant and interest free loan while Bangladesh government provided Taka 79.15 crore.

Communications Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader, Communications Secretary Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Zheng Qingdian, Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Khan M Ibrahim Hossain also spoke on the occasion. High civil and military officials were present. Dr. Fakhruddin said Mukterpur Bridge will ease carrying potato, vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products from Munshiganj to elsewhere of the country, especially in the capital city that will keep positive impact on prices of agri-products.

The Chief Adviser said the government has taken steps to construct alternative road network from Mukterpur of Mushiganj to Chashara of Narayanganj to establish smooth road-link between Dhaka and Munshiganj.

Thanking China for providing financial and technical assistance to construct Mukterpur Bridge, Dr. Fakhruddin said it will help strengthen Dhaka-Beijing traditional ties further.

Earlier, China constructed five long bridges, one modern conference centre and several other installations in Bangladesh, he pointed out.

He congratulated the engineers, consultants, specialists and workers of all strata who worked hard for successful completion of the projects.