The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department (RHD) on 22 August 2021 signed an agreement for two packages under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) road connectivity project. The project aims to develop connectivity between Dhaka and the country's northern region.

Mr. Md Abdus Sabur, RHD Chief Engineer, Mr. Farhana Momen of construction company Abdul Momen Limited (for package 5), and Mr. Zhou Libo of construction company China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Limited (for package 13), signed the agreement. Mr. Obaidul Quader, Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary joined the agreement signing ceremony via videoconferencing. 

Around 13.5 kilometers of roads from Elenga in Tangail to the eastern part of Bangabandhu Bridge will be upgraded to four lanes under package 5 of the project. The package will also construct a flyover, eight bridges, two underpasses, and 10 culverts.

Package 13 will construct an international standard separate-grade modified cloverleaf interchange. It will also construct a highway service area for motorists and passengers. Both projects are set to be completed within three years.

The two packages are part of the project to upgrade to four lanes around 190 kilometers of road from Elenga to Modern intersection in Rangpur.

• Deal inked under SASEC-2 to develop roads in northern region