The Dhaka Bypass Expressway is Bangladesh's landmark infrastructure project, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders in a pioneering public-private partnership. Each partner contributes unique expertise, resources, and capabilities to deliver this transformative 48-kilometer expressway.
Investors
Sichuan Road & Bridge Group Co., Ltd. (SRBG)
Lead Investor & Contractor
Lead private investor with 60% equity stake
Main Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contractor
Advanced construction technology provider
Sichuan Road & Bridge Group (SRBG) is the lead private investor and engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) contractor for the Dhaka Bypass Expressway project. With a 60% equity stake in DBEDC, SRBG brings international expertise in highway construction, acting as the principal builder and operator.
SRBG's role includes mobilizing financing, deploying advanced construction technology, and managing operation & maintenance during the concession. The company is fully responsible for the project's design and construction, introducing semi-rigid pavement technology and reinforced retaining walls to Bangladesh's infrastructure sector.
Under the leadership of their team, SRBG is implementing a full life-cycle operations and maintenance management philosophy. Their expertise has been crucial in implementing the first application of Chinese standards and techniques on a Bangladeshi expressway.
SRBG's involvement is a cornerstone of the China-Bangladesh collaboration on this project, demonstrating how Chinese entities can work within Bangladesh's PPP policy to deliver infrastructure effectively. The company has also provided training for local engineers and introduced environmentally friendly construction methods.
Shamim Enterprise Ltd (SEL)
Major Local Partner
Major local private partner with 30% equity stake
Provides local knowledge and construction expertise
Assists with regulatory compliance and local supply chains
Shamim Enterprise Ltd (SEL) is a major local private partner in the DBEDC consortium with a 30% equity stake. As a prominent Bangladeshi construction firm, SEL contributes essential local knowledge, manpower, and support services to the project.
SEL plays a crucial role in navigating domestic requirements such as regulatory compliance and managing local supply chains, ensuring the project adheres to Bangladeshi standards and procedures. The company actively participates in construction and maintenance activities, bringing valuable on-the-ground expertise.
Through its significant stake in the project, SEL helps ensure strong Bangladeshi ownership and representation in the venture's success. Working alongside the international partners, SEL facilitates knowledge transfer while contributing to capacity building in Bangladesh's infrastructure sector.
UDC Construction Ltd
Local Partner
Bangladeshi partner with 10% equity stake
Provides additional local construction capacity
Assists with stakeholder coordination and compliance
UDC Construction Ltd (Unique Dream Consultants) is the second Bangladeshi partner in the DBEDC consortium, holding the remaining 10% equity stake. UDC provides additional local construction capacity and expertise to the project.
Together with Shamim Enterprise, UDC represents the Bangladeshi private sector's stake in the venture, aiding in on-ground project execution and stakeholder coordination. Both local partners combined hold 40% of DBEDC's equity, ensuring a balanced partnership between foreign investment and local participation.
UDC's involvement strengthens the consortium's ability to navigate local challenges and incorporate Bangladeshi construction practices into the project. Their expertise contributes to effective implementation while supporting capacity building within the domestic construction industry.
Government Parties
Advisory and institutional support
Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA)
PPP Facilitator
Facilitated project development under PPP modality
Approved project in principle in 2012
Helped structure the PPP agreement
The Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) of Bangladesh has been instrumental in facilitating the Dhaka Bypass Expressway project's development under the PPP modality. The PPPA approved the project in principle in 2012 and has since provided critical guidance throughout the process.
PPPA helped structure the PPP agreement, ensuring it met international standards while addressing local requirements. The Authority facilitated the entire process from project conceptualization through contract signing in December 2018, working closely with RHD and other stakeholders.
As this is the first-ever road project in Bangladesh executed via PPP, the PPPA's role has been particularly significant. The Authority provides ongoing oversight and policy support, making the Dhaka Bypass Expressway a model for future infrastructure partnerships in the country.
Roads and Highways Department
Ministry of Road Transport & Bridges / RHD
Public sector client and concession grantor
Providing land acquisition and resettlement
Contributing viability gap funding (initially ৳224 crore)
The Government of Bangladesh, through the Ministry of Road Transport & Bridges and the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), is the public sector client for the Dhaka Bypass Expressway. RHD signed a PPP concession contract in December 2018 with the private consortium to upgrade the 48 km Joydebpur–Debogram–Bhulta–Madanpur road into a four-lane expressway.
The government is responsible for providing land, managing resettlement, and contributing viability gap funding (initially ৳224 crore grant, later revised to ৳674 crore) to ensure the project's financial viability. It will also receive the asset back after the 25-year concession period ends.
Under the agreement, the government supports the project with minimum revenue guarantees while allowing the private partners to collect tolls according to a regulated rate structure. This balances public service goals with private sector returns.
The Ministry, through RHD and with the support of the PPP Authority, has provided the enabling conditions for this pioneering project, establishing it as a model for future PPP infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
Bank Syndication
Leading investors and technical experts
China Development Bank (CDB) serves as the major foreign lender for the Dhaka Bypass Expressway project. In addition to equity investment from SRBG, the consortium secured a substantial ৳1,614 crore loan from CDB to fund the construction of Bangladesh's first fully enclosed expressway.
The financing agreement with CDB was signed in April 2021, completing the project's $412 million financing package. CDB's long-term loan, alongside BIFFL's contribution, enabled financial close and commencement of full-scale construction after initial delays.
This marks one of the first instances of Chinese bank infrastructure financing in a Bangladesh PPP, underlining the international stakeholder dimension. CDB's involvement demonstrates China's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's infrastructure development through financial cooperation as well as technical expertise.
China Development Bank (CDB)
Major Foreign Lender
Extended ৳1,614 crore loan to DBEDC
Financing agreement signed in April 2021
Key financial partner for $412 million package
Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Ltd (BIFFL)
Domestic Lender
Provided ৳1,075 crore loan to DBEDC
First installment of ৳42.5 crore disbursed in April 2022
State-owned infrastructure financing company
Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Ltd (BIFFL) is a state-owned infrastructure financing company that has provided significant long-term debt to the Dhaka Bypass Expressway project. Under a 2020 agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB), BIFFL received a $50 million credit line to support PPP projects.
BIFFL signed a loan facility agreement to re-lend ৳1,075 crore to DBEDC, helping to finance the expressway's construction. This domestic financing, backed by ADB, strengthened the project's financial structure. In April 2022, BIFFL disbursed the first installment (৳42.5 crore) of this loan to DBEDC.
BIFFL's involvement as a local lender is key in bridging the funding gap and ensuring confidence in the project. By mobilizing domestic capital for infrastructure development, BIFFL plays a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's first road PPP project and establishing a template for future initiatives.
Project Team
Leadership driving the expressway's success
Liu Xiaobo
Chairman
Mainly responsible for convening and presiding over shareholders meetings and board meetings. Responsible for overall control of the project.
Xiao Zhiming
Chief Executive Officer
Oversees all aspects of the project implementation as the CEO of DBEDC. Represents the majority shareholder SRBG and has extensive experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Md. Shafiqul Islam Akand
Chief Operating Officer
The highest-ranking Bangladeshi official in DBEDC, responsible for local operations, regulatory liaison, and ensuring the project meets all local standards and guidelines.
Project Governance Structure
The Dhaka Bypass Expressway is governed through a structured approach that ensures proper oversight, clear accountability, and effective coordination among all stakeholders.
Board of Directors
The Board comprises representatives from all equity partners (SRBG, SEL, and UDC), with proportional representation based on shareholding. The Board provides strategic direction and major decision approval.
Executive Management
Led by the CEO with support from the COO and General Managers, the executive team handles day-to-day operations, project delivery, stakeholder management, and performance reporting.
Government Oversight
The Project Director from RHD (Syed Aslam Ali) monitors progress, ensures compliance with the concession agreement, and acts as the primary liaison between DBEDC and government agencies.