Dhaka, Aug. 24 -- The first 18 kilometres of the Dhaka Bypass Expressway have been inaugurated in Gazipur's Bhogra area, marking a key development in efforts to ease congestion around the capital.

Adviser for Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and Railways Ministry Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan inaugurated the part of the expressway at 11:00 am on Sunday (Aug 24).

Speaking at the ceremony, the adviser stressed the need to reduce Bangladesh's over-reliance on roads by expanding the use of alternative transport modes such as rail, waterways, and air.

He also raised concerns about the high costs of road construction compared with neighbouring countries, attributing part of the problem to corruption in the sector.

"If corruption is reduced ...