Chinese-built bridge opens to traffic in southern Bangladesh

Photo taken on Sept. 4, 2022 shows a view of the Eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge in Pirojpur, Bangladesh. The Eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge has opened to traffic in southern Bangladesh. (Xinhua)

DHAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge has opened to traffic in southern Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, speaking virtually for the opening ceremony held on Sunday, expressed gratitude to China for the financial and technical assistance in the construction of the bridge.

In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said China is willing to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative, and to jointly explore new opportunities under the China-proposed Global Development Initiative.

Seven Bangladesh-China friendship bridges have been built with Chinese aid across Bangladesh since the 1980s. 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (C) attends the opening ceremony of the Eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sept. 4, 2022.The Eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge has opened to traffic in southern Bangladesh. (Xinhua)