Prepare for floods in advance: PM
Based on the forecast of the BMD and the experts concerned apprehended that a possible flood may sweep over the country in the coming days possibly in August
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed relevant ministries and departments to take preemptive measures to manage potential flooding.
She gave the directive during the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting held at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar today (2 July).
Planning Minister Major General (retd) Abdus Salam and Planning Division Secretary Satyajit Karmaker briefed journalists on the prime minister's instructions in a press conference held after the Ecnec meeting.
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Satyajit Karmaker said the prime minister anticipates possible flooding in the country in August due to the situation of rainfall all over the country and in upstream areas. Therefore, she has instructed all relevant authorities to prepare in advance, he added.
She has emphasised the need for rapid and efficient budget implementation and has also urged prioritising project implementation to ensure timely completion.
Planning Minister Abdus Salam said the PM has asked the authorities to complete all preparatory work in the office during the rainy season from July to September, so that implementation can begin swiftly once the rains end.
Besides, she reiterated the importance of training project managers to enhance their skills. She emphasised that one officer should not be assigned as the project director for more than one project, the minister added.
As there is a reduction in agricultural land in Dhaka and surrounding districts due to housing, the prime minister has asked relevant authorities to ensure that agricultural land is preserved and farming activities are not disrupted.
Regarding project implementation, she cautioned against land acquisition in densely populated areas to avoid large-scale displacement of people, Abdus Salam said, adding that she also directed that projects should not be implemented on fertile agricultural land.
A total of 11 projects worth Tk5459.87 crore were approved in today's Ecnec meeting.
Among these, a project worth Tk1,624 crore was approved for constructing administrative-cum-barrack buildings for Bangladesh Police in various locations. While approving the project, the prime minister instructed to rapidly include all police stations in this development programme, said Planning Minister Abdus Salam.
At a press conference, it was announced that development work has already been completed for some of the 639 police stations in the country. The approved project will further develop the infrastructure of 107 police stations. Additionally, rapid development plans will be undertaken for 255 police stations.
Some other approved projects include agricultural development in the Dhaka region, rural infrastructure development in Barguna and Munshiganj districts, land acquisition for the Raipur 120MW (AC) Peak Grid Tied Solar Power Plant and establishment of Child Development Centres in Kishoreganj, Joypurhat, and Chattogram, among others.
