Dhaka: October 11, 2022
Today, under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed and a selection of government officials, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), represented by Dr. Saud Alshammari, SFD’s Head of Operations in Asia inaugurated Shitalakhya Bridge project. Financed by SFD through a soft loan of approximately 45 million USD, the project has been launched to provide underserved people and communities across Bangladesh greater access to vital resources and all-important basic services.
To mark the inauguration of the infrastructure project, an opening ceremony was held in the Prime Minister's Office and attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, and number of government officials.
Located in Narayanganj District, the 1.29km bridge (the main bridge spanning 400m and adjoining bridges on both sides of the road spanning 890m) will link Bandar Upazila with the historic city of Sonargaon. The project will support the development of Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure. Comprised of four lanes — including designated lanes for pedestrians and separate lanes for vehicles — the development of Shitalakhya Bridge will contribute to the enhancement of Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure.
It will improve the country’s road transport network by facilitating the transport of goods, alleviating traffic jams, and spurring the economic growth of rural areas by linking them to main roads. Ultimately, it will raise the living standards of over two million Bangladeshi citizens and residents, in addition to bolstering the nation’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed expressed her deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — represented by SFD — for its ongoing efforts to support the growth and development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure.
The bridge will connect Sonargaon and Bandar Upazilas by road with Narayanganj district headquarters, which is famous as an industrial and port city. Moreover, bypassing the Dhaka metropolis, it will be possible to establish direct communication with the south and southwest regions of the country and the east and northeast regions due to the bridge’s connectivity. It will have an impact on reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka city.
From his side Dr. Saud Alshammari comented: ”SFD supports road development projects that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals by strengthening the integration of road networks, raising the level of safety of their use, and reducing transportation costs. Through this project, we seek to support the infrastructure network in Bangladesh, support social and economic development, enhance trade and transit, and reduce traffic congestion. This project will lay the groundwork for a brighter future for the people of Bangladesh, advancing social progress and creating economic opportunities that will benefit the country and wider region in the long run”.