The Chinese government will provide Bangladesh with Tk 4.0 billion (about 50 million US dollars) as grant for construction of eighth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge over Kocha river in Pirojpur.

An agreement was signed in this connection between Bangladesh and China yesterday in Dhaka, reports Xinhua.

Economic Relations Department (ERD) Secretary Mezbah Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

According to an ERD statement, the length of the bridge will be 1400 meters and Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department will carry out the project, the Xinhua reported.

The bridge will play an important role in accelerating movement of people and goods in Barisal and Khulna divisions, the statement said.

The construction of the first Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, with a span of more than 917 meters in length, began in October 1986, and was completed in February 1989.