ZCZC
BSS-32
ECNEC-MEETING 2 LAST DHAKA
Considering the existing number of naval bases, location and scarcity of
manpower, directives are already there to set up a full-fledged naval
command, naval bases with jetty facilities and a 150-bed hospital at Rabnabad
in Patuakhali in line with the Forces Goal 2030.
In light of this, such mega plan to set up naval base at Patuakhali has
been undertaken while the proposal for recruitment of necessary manpower has
also been incorporated in the TO&E through which some 5,000 military and
civil naval personnel will be included, the minister said.
Earlier in November 2013, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation
stone of the BNS Sher-e-Bangla Naval Base at Lalua under Kolapara upazila in
Patuakhali adjacent to the Payra Port.
AHM Mustafa Kamal said like Chittagong, the areas in and around Payra Port
will be designed in a way to promote trade, commerce and industries.
The project also aims to provide security and protection to the Payra sea
port, commercial marine vessels and ships at deep sea and in the coastal
areas as well as to fishing trawlers/boats, and to blue economy related
maritime institutions.
Once the project is implemented, the naval base will also provide support
to the civil administration and thus safeguard the independence and
sovereignty of the country through resisting any attack from external enemy,
he added.
The Planning Minister said the day’s ECNEC meeting also dropped two
conditions from the ‘Power distribution extension and strengthening under
DPDC area’ project which was earlier approved on December last year with an
estimated cost of Tk 20,501.52 crore.
Regarding approval of the Smart pre-payment metering project for west zone
power distribution company limited with Taka 426.37 crore, AHM Mustafa Kamal
said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned not to
import such meters from abroad for the project.
Sheikh Hasina also directed the Ministry of Industries and Power Division
to produce such meters in the country through a joint venture.
The other projects approved in the meeting are – Protection of right
embankment of River Padma at Janzira and Naria upazilas in Shariatpur
district project with Taka 1,097.21 crore, The Disaster risk management
enhancement project (component 2,3) with Taka 620.22 crore, Small irrigation
development at Tangail and Kishoreganj districts under Mymensingh and Dhaka
Divisions with Taka 139.01 crore.
The approved projects also include – Soil research and research facilities
strengthening project (SRSRF) with Taka 63.08 crore, Sheikh Russell Aviary
and Echo Park Installment at Rangunia, Chittagong, 2nd phase project with
Taka 125.51 crore, Afforestation in the coastal areas including the newly
emerged char areas in the Bay of Bengal with Taka 104.80 crore, Capacity
strengthening of existing runway and taxiway of Chittagong Shah Amanat
International Airport with Taka 540.52 crore. Introduction of tourism
facilities at Parky and Patenga in Chittagong with Taka 62.11 crore, Salna
(Rajendrapur)-Kapasia-Tok-Mothkhola highway widening and strengthening
project with Taka 224.24 crore, Mirpur DOHS gate-2 to Mirpur-12 bus stand
highway widening and development project with Taka 146.17 crore, Construction
of seven bridges replacing the damaged Bailey bridges on Pagla-Jagannathpur-
Raniganj-Aushakandi road and another bridge over River Abua on Niyamatpur-
Tahirpur Road with Taka 141.25 crore, Upward extension of ENCOM building for
modernization and enhancing capacity of Police Department with Taka 156.02
crore, Construction of Mujib battery complex at Chittagong artillery center
and school with Taka 180 crore, and Establishment of Sheikh Lutfor Rahman
Dental College and Hospital, Gopalganj, 1st revised with Taka 112.82 crore.
BSS/ASG/GM/ARS/1853 hrs