The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), represented by SFD Director General for Operations in Asia Dr. Saud Al-Shammari inaugurated today the Shitalakhya Bridge project in Narayanganj, which is financed by the Fund with a development loan of about USD 45 million, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed, and the participation of the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa bin Youssef Al-Duhailan, Minister of Land Transport and Bridges in Bangladesh Obaidul Quader, and senior officials. The project aims to link the city of Bandara with Sonargaon in the Narayanganj district, through a bridge extending 1,290 meters in length and consisting of 4 lanes, in addition to special lanes for pedestrians, and separate lanes for vehicles. The vital project will help facilitate the lives of more than two million beneficiaries, as it will contribute to the development of the transport infrastructure in the country, facilitate the transportation of goods, reduce traffic jams, and develop rural areas by linking them to the rest of the current main roads. It will also have a positive impact on other economic sectors, especially the industrial and agricultural sectors. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Saudi government, represented by SFD, for its continuous efforts to support infrastructure development projects in Bangladesh, stressing that the bridge will connect the Sonargaon and Bandar Upazila areas in the Narayanganj region, which is known for its industrial area and seaport, passing through the capital, Dhaka, thus connecting the southern and southwestern regions with the eastern and northeastern regions of the country, and will have a significant impact on reducing traffic congestion in the capital, Dhaka. SDF Director for Operations explained that the Fund aims, through its financing of road projects, to support the transport sector and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, by supporting the linkage between road networks, raising the level of safety of their use, reducing transportation costs, supporting social and economic development, and contributing to promoting trade and reducing traffic congestion, and it will have a positive impact on the country's economy. Since 1977, SDF has provided 17 development loans to fund 16 projects in Bangladesh, with a total amount estimated at USD 494.70 million. The projects included several development sectors, including water, health, energy, and transportation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's government also provided, through SDF, a grant of USD 107 million to support the country in the face of damage caused by natural disasters.
