DHAKA: Bangladesh is going to connect with China and Thailand via Myanmar, through constructing a two-kilometer link road, sources concerned said.

Sources of Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) said that the road will be constructed under ‘Bangladesh-Myanmar Friendship Road’ project, stretching from Dhundhum to Tungbro along Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Regarding project design, sources of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) said this construction includes a 45 meter “Friendship Bridge’ on no-mans land. It will be constructed as per opinion given by design unit of RHD.

Bangladesh government will finance the project while Road and Highways Department (RHD) will implement the project.

A budget of Tk 54.55 crore has been estimated for the project. According to the sources, the construction of link road will begin on July this year and is likely to end on June 2017.

If built, the connecting road would open the opportunity to boost regional trade and commerce and strengthen political relations among South Asian countries.

RTHD joint chief Shamsul Karim Bhuiyan told banglanews that the two-kilometer link road will be constructed considering the issue of developing regional ties.

If the road connectivity with Myanmar is built the process of development among South Asian countries including China, Thailand will increase automatically, the RTHD chief added.

Major roads now link Thailand and China to Myanmar, and a road from Bangladesh is an important new direction for regional transport linkages.

The road is also important for Myanmar to promote trade and tourism with Bangladesh.

BDST: 1147 HRS, MAY 09, 2015
HB/RS