Tk 751cr Musapur Regulator Project gets ECNEC approval

 
NOAKHALI, Sept 30: The long-awaited reconstruction of the Musapur Regulator in Companiganj Upazila of Noakhali is finally set to move forward, with the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approving a Tk 751.77 crore project to improve flood control, river management and drainage in the Choto Feni and Bamni River basins.

The project was approved at an ECNEC meeting held at the Secretariat on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB) will implement the project.

Following the approval, people from different walks of life in Noakhali congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Noakhali-5 MP Mohammad Fakrul Islam.

Those concerned said implementation of the project would help address long-standing problems of water-logging, river erosion and salinity in Companiganj and surrounding coastal areas.

It is also expected to boost agricultural and fisheries production and reduce flood risks for a large number of people.

“This was a longstanding demand of the people of Noakhali. If work begins soon, it will end two decades of suffering for people in the coastal areas,” said Golam Mamit Faisal, a former member of the Noakhali District BNP.

The existing 23-vent Musapur Regulator was severely damaged during the devastating floods in August 2024, causing widespread flooding in the area.

The regulator’s collapse subsequently intensified demands for construction of a new one.