DHAKA, July 30, 2026 — Japanese construction company Miyagawa Kensetsu Construction Ltd. has expressed interest in developing two major bridge projects in southern Bangladesh under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a combined estimated investment of US$3.44 billion (Tk33,423 crore).
The proposal was presented during the 8th Bangladesh-Japan Joint PPP Platform Meeting held in Dhaka on Wednesday, where the Bhola-Barishal Bridge and Shariatpur-Chandpur Bridge were formally included as priority projects under the bilateral PPP framework.
If implemented, the two projects are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, stimulate trade and investment, reduce transport costs, and accelerate economic development across southern Bangladesh. The government has set a target to complete both bridges by 2033, while land acquisition costs will be borne by the Government of Bangladesh under the PPP model.
Bhola-Barishal Bridge to Become Bangladesh’s Longest
The larger of the two projects is the proposed 10.86-kilometre Bhola-Barishal Bridge, with an estimated cost of Tk17,466 crore.
Once completed, it is expected to become Bangladesh’s longest bridge, creating the first permanent road connection between Bhola Island and the mainland.
According to a feasibility study completed in 2024, the bridge could attract new investment, generate employment opportunities, facilitate natural gas transmission from Bhola to the national grid, and contribute approximately 0.86% to Bangladesh’s GDP over the next 30 years.
Shariatpur-Chandpur Bridge to Improve Regional Connectivity
The second project involves constructing an 8-kilometre bridge over the Meghna River between Shariatpur and Chandpur at an estimated cost of Tk15,957 crore.
The bridge will directly connect 21 districts in southwestern Bangladesh with 11 districts in the southeast, reducing dependence on ferry services and shortening the road distance between Khulna and Chattogram by nearly 90 kilometres.
Construction is targeted for completion by 2032.
Japanese Investors Seek Long-Term Infrastructure Partnership
Officials said Miyagawa Kensetsu may execute the projects independently or through a consortium with other Japanese companies. Before formal selection, the government will appoint transaction advisers and complete the necessary PPP evaluation process, followed by the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP).
The company’s local partner in Bangladesh is Stallion Capital Limited, which is supporting investment planning and project development.
Speaking on the initiative, Stallion Capital Chairman Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed said the Bhola-Barishal Bridge would not only improve transportation but also unlock new opportunities for industry, investment, and employment across the southern region.
Bhola-Lakshmipur Bridge Also Gains Attention
During the meeting, Bangladesh also presented the proposed Bhola-Lakshmipur Bridge project.
Japanese representatives reportedly showed strong interest, describing it as another strategic infrastructure project that could strengthen regional trade and economic integration.
Bangladesh and Japan Review Broader Infrastructure Cooperation
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, PPP Authority CEO Ashik Chowdhury, and representatives from the Government of Japan.
In addition to the bridge proposals, both sides discussed potential collaboration on a waste-to-energy project in Chattogram, modernization of Bangladesh’s aging railway bridges with Japanese technical support, and reviewed the progress of ongoing flagship PPP projects such as the Kamalapur Multimodal Transport Hub, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal operations, and the Outer Ring Road Project.
Officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan infrastructure cooperation through sustainable investment, improved connectivity, and long-term economic development.
