Ecnec approves Tk 18.03b project to fight flood, riverbank erosion

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 10 projects, including a Tk 18.03 billion one, to minimise damages caused by flood and riverbank erosion in four districts -- Pabna, Sirajganj, Tangail, and Manikganj.

The approval came from the ECNEC meeting presided over by Prime Minister and also ECNEC Chair Sheikh Hasina. She joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban on Tuesday.

The ministers and others concerned got connected from the NEC conference room in the city.

“Today the meeting approved a total of 10 projects, including five revised ones, with the overall estimated cost of Tk 46.21 billion (only additional costs of five projects were counted there),” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters.

Of the cost, Tk 30.55 billion will come from government funds and the remaining Tk 15.66 billion from foreign sources, he said.

Talking about Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Program (Project-2) involving Tk 18.03 billion, he said Bangladesh Water Development Board implemented the project by December 2025.

According to the project factsheet of the Planning Commission, Tk 13.29 billion will come as loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), while Tk 1.51 billion from the Netherlands government as project assistance. And the rest will come from government funds.  

The project will be executed in Bera, Shahjadpur, Belkuchi, Chouhali, Tangail Sadar, Nagarpur, Daulatpur, Harirampur and Shibalaya upazilas of the four districts -- Pabna, Sirajganj, Tangail and Manikganj.

The main objectives of the project include improving the livelihood of the people living in the vicinity of the Jamuna and Padma rivers, developing flood and riverbank risk management through structural changes and enhancing institutional capacity and reducing riverbank erosion.

Its major operations include 30-km riverbank protection, 7.9-km dam construction, 40-km adaptation work, 6-km emergency work and 3-km dam management.

The other new projects are Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (BITAC) Office Establishment in Gopalganj, Sunamganj, Barishal, Rangpur, Jamalpur and Jashore with a cost of Tk 11.32 billion and Urea Formaldehyde -85 (UF-85) Plant Establishment involving Tk 7.24 billion, Sylhet Region’s Agricultural Development through modern technology with Tk 2.00 billion and Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management (CSAWM) (DAE Part) with a fund of Tk 1.06 billion.

The five revised projects are Netrakona-Bishiura-Iswarganj Road Development (1st revised) with additional cost of Tk 2.20 billion (now cost Tk 4.81 billion), Construction of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Bhaban (1st revision) with additional cost of Tk 590 million (now cost Tk 2.61 billion), Construction of 16 Regional Passport Offices (1st revision) with additional cost of Tk 310 million (now cost of Tk 1.28 billion and construction of 17 regional passport offices and vertical extension of 4 passport offices).

Two other revised projects are Sheikh Hasina Cantonment Barishal Establishment (1st revised) with additional cost of Tk 3.31 billion (now cost of Tk 20.30 billion), Widening the Approach Road and development of other necessary infrastructure of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Gazipur (3rd revised) with an additional cost of Tk 430 million (now its cost is Tk 2.82 billion).