The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved a $241.3 million loan to support the construction of five key bridges in Bangladesh’s north-eastern region.

The financing agreement was signed on Wednesday in Algiers, Algeria, on the sidelines of the IsDB board meeting. Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Dr Rami Ahmed, Vice President of the IsDB, signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in the Mymensingh division will build the climate-resilient bridges. They will span the Sunamganj-Jamalpur and Shyamganj-Durgapur border roads, critical routes for enhancing regional connectivity with Dhaka.

Officials say the project aims to strengthen infrastructure in a region prone to climate vulnerability, while boosting economic ties with the capital.

Bangladesh’s Alternate Governor to the IsDB, Mohammad Hasan Arif, along with Charge d’Affaires Rashed Ahmed and IsDB Chairman Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, were also present at the signing ceremony.

The Jeddah-based lender’s support is seen as a significant step toward improving transport links and fostering sustainable development in the country’s border areas.