Padma Barrage to benefit nearly 70m: Minister Anee

PABNA, Oct 26: Approximately 70 million people-one-third of the population in the country’s south-western region-will fully benefit from the Padma Barrage. This is a visionary, mega-scale project. The construction of this barrage will ensure the continued flow of the Padma River and other interconnected rivers in the region. 

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee made these remarks on Sunday while serving as the chief guest at a discussion on the technical aspects of the project, held at the site of the proposed Padma Barrage along the banks of the Padma River in Satbaria, Sujanagar Upazila, Pabna.

The minister noted that the late Begum Khaleda Zia had initiated work on this project in 2004. The people of this country had expected construction to begin by 2016; however, the previous government failed to implement it due to political shortcomings. 

Criticising the former Awami League government, the minister stated that they lacked the courage and resolve to make independent decisions, choosing instead to follow the dictates of external parties and other nations. He added that, upon assuming power, the current administration-as part of its election manifesto-secured approval for the project from ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) within just two and a half months. This mega-project has been undertaken in the best interest of the nation and its people.

The minister further explained that the initial phase of the project is estimated to cost approximately 35,000 crore BDT. He expressed hope that the second phase would be completed with an additional expenditure of 50,000 to 55,000 crore BDT. He also mentioned that the first phase of the Padma Barrage project is expected to be inaugurated sometime in January or February of next year, pending a schedule from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad also spoke at the event. Prior to this, Project Director Hasan Mahmud provided a detailed technical presentation on the Padma Barrage project.

Others in attendance included the Member of Parliament for the Pabna-5 constituency. Shamsul Rahman Shimul Biswas, Member of Parliament for the Pabna-2 constituency AKM Selim Reza Habib, Member of Parliament for the Rajshahi-3 constituency Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon, Member of Parliament for the Pabna-Sirajganj reserved seat for women Arifa Sultana Ruma, Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, and Superintendent of Police Abu Ashraf, along with other high-ranking officials and various leaders.