Ambassador Li Jiming Attends the Celebration of Civil Works Completion of ‌‘Bangabandhu Tunnel’

On November 26th, 2022, H.E. Li Jiming, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, attended the Celebration of Civil Works Completion of the South Tube of “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel” held both near the Tunnel in Chattogram and virtually，and delivered a speech. Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the celebration virtually form Gano Bhaban. Mr. Obaidul Quader, MP, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Mr. Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet Secreaty, Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, PM’s Principal Secretary and other officials also attended the celebration.

In her speech, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she attached great importance on this project. She recalled that during her visit to China in June 2014, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Chinese government for the construction of the tunnel, and later, the project was approved as a G-to-G project in the ECNEC meeting held on November 24, 2015. HPM Sheikh Hasina also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping and she laid the foundation stone of the project on October 14, 2016. And she was very happy that the tunnel is almost completed now and she thanked all those who gave their effort and dedication to make the project successful from the bottom of her heart.

HPM also said that “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel” will play a significant role in bringing Bangladesh to the ranks of developed countries through modernization, simplification of communication system, development of industries and development of tourism industry.

Ambassador Li pointed out in his speech that the tunnel has long been the dream of Bangladesh people and the center of attention for many. In Chinese President Xi Jinping’s video speech sent to Bangladesh last year on the occasion of the centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangladesh’s golden Jubilee, this tunnel was specially mentioned as a symbol of joint efforts and mutual benefit with groundbreaking progress.

Ambassador Li congratulated the successful completion of the civil works of the south tube of this tunnel. He pointed out that as the first underwater tunnel in both Bangladesh and South Asia, this tunnel will not only significantly optimize local transportation network, but also facilitate connectivity between Bangladesh and neighbor countries, demonstrating Bangladesh’s pivotal role in regional connectivity, as well as a hub in BRI countries.

Ambassador Li also said that China, as a faithful friend and reliable strategic partner, has made due contributions to Bangladesh’s record-setting achievements. Just as Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out in his video message that China and Bangladesh have been friendly neighboring countries since ancient times, and the friendship spanning over a thousand years was witnessed by the Silk Road. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to better align the two countries’ development strategies and jointly promote the construction of the Belt and Road, so as to take the China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation to new heights.

Mr. Obaidul Quader, MP, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, also pointed out the importance of this tunnel on the development of the city of Chattogram, especially its “one city two town” plan.