SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

"We hope to start the construction works in nine months to one year", Communications Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star, the newspaper reported Monday.

The government, which will finance the entire project, expected to cost about $31 million, is already searching for a consulting firm to do a feasibility study.

The highway, when completed, will set up the first road link between the two neighbors for bilateral trade and also help connect Bangladesh at a later date with the Asian Highway to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China, the report said.

China can also use the road link to import products through Bangladesh's southeastern Chittagong Port, the Press Trust of India reported.

The Daily Star report said the highway will begin at Balukhali in Cox's Bazar and terminate at Bawlibazar in Rakhain state in Myanmar, formerly called Burma.

Myanmar is Bangladesh's third largest export destination for pharmaceutical products, the PTI report said quoting officials.

 BREAKING STORIES

Aung San Suu Kyi reported on hunger strike

Thai PM says he won't quit

Writer charged with insulting Thai king

Thailand seeks Web site shutdowns

State of emergency declared in Bangkok

Thai PM vows not to resign, holds session

Protesters face riot cops in Bangkok

Protesters seize central Bangkok

Glitter denied entry to Hong Kong

Thais demand Thaksin extradition

Bush, Thai PM discuss peace, future

Killing halts 'Grand Theft' sales in Asia

Court sentences Thaksin's wife to 3 years

Hun Sen party claims win in Cambodian poll

Cambodians vote amid corruption claims

Thai opposition calls for temple talks

Food export curbs cause rise in hunger

Thai officials may appeal temple ruling

Myanmar blocks telecom relief

Thai protesters want PM to resign