Roads to be constructed in southeast frontiers

The National Economic Council Executive Committee (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved 16 development projects worth Tk 9,680.5 crore (96.80 billion).
The projects include the scheme to construct some 317 kilometres `border roads' on hilly frontier terrains along India and Myanmar in the the southeaster region of Bangladesh with an aim to tighten border security.
The approval came from the 20th ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year held at the NEC conference room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with ECNEC chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
The Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said of the approved projects 12 were new and four others were revised ones.
Kamal said the construction of the "border roads" in that particular region appeared crucial because of its susceptibility to weapon and drug smuggling and human trafficking.
The project will be implemented at Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban, Juraichhari, Borkol and Rajsthali of Rangamati, Ukhia of Cox's Bazar and Baghaichhari of Khagrachhari.
Kamal said the Road and Highways Department and the Special Works Organisation of Bangladesh Army have been given the responsibility to implement the project.
The project will be completed in six upazilas of Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Rangamati and Cox's Bazar districts by June 2021.
The project will be implemented at Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban, Juraichhari, Borkol and Rajstali upazilas of Rangamati, Ukhiaupazila of Cox's Bazar and Baghaichhari upazila of Khagrachhari.
Out of the proposed 317 kilometers roads, some 40 kilometers will be constructed on the Ukhia-Ashartoli-Fooltuli route, 52 kilometers on the Sajek-Shildah-Betling, 95 kilometers on Sajek-Dokanghat-Thegamukh, and 130 kilometers on Thegamukh-Loitongpara-Thachhi-Dumdumia-Rajsthali route.
Bangladesh has around 540 kilometers borders -- 330 kilometers with India and 210 kilometers with Myanmar.
On implementation of the project, border guards are expected to be able to ensure strict measures in hilly border areas, curb illegal drugs and arms smuggling through improved road communications.
This project will also help expand trade and commerce, develop tourism facilities in hilly areas, facilitate marketing of agricultural products to boost economic activities and generate employment opportunities.
Bangladesh's southeastern hills have 540 kilometre borders with the two neighbouring countries - 330 kilometres with India and 210 with Myanmar.

The other projects include construction of headquarters for the Bangladesh Post Office, revised with Tk 91.90 crore, Protection and dredging works from Bakshi Lunchghat to Baburhat Lunchghat from the erosion of Tentulia River under Charfashion upazila in Bhola and flood control in Kukri-Mukri island with Tk523.36 crore, Protecting Lord Hardinge and Dholigouranagar Bazar under Lalmohon upazila of Bhola from the erosion of River Meghna with Tk 432.55 crore.
Riverbank Protection of Swarnadip (Jahaijjar Char) from the erosion of River Meghna under Hatia and Subornochar upazilas in Noakhali with Tk 88.62 crore, National crops supply and nutrition security development through enhancing the capacity of Uddyan Unnoyan Bibhagh of BADC with Tk 110.50 crore, Expansion of National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital with Tk 420.38 crore, Bangladesh land survey education development project with Tk  278.85 crore, Ensuring safe email and establishment of digital literacy centre for Bangladesh government with Tk 116.31 crore and Establishment of Sheikh Hasina national burn and plastic surgery Institute, Dhaka, 1st revised with Tk 912.80 crore.