RIYADH: A bridge in Bangladesh financed by the Saudi Fund for Development to the tune of $45 million has been inaugurated.
The Shitalakhya Bridge is the latest project in the South Asian nation to be supported by the Kingdom, with the SFD financing 16 projects through soft loans estimated at a total of more than $497 million since 1977.
The bridge was inaugurated by Saud Al-Shammari, SDF’s head of operations in Asia, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wajid and selected government officials.
Located in Narayanganj District, the 1.29-kilometer bridge will link Bandar Upazila with the city of Sonargaon, and is expected to reduce the traffic congestion in Dhaka city.
The bridge comprises four lanes for pedestrians and vehicles.
During the inaugural ceremony, Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to Saudi Arabia and thanked SFD for its ongoing efforts to support the growth and development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure.
“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,” said Al-Shammari.
He added: “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.”
Saudi Arabia has also provided $107 million in grants to help Bangladesh combat damages caused by natural disasters.