First meeting of Standing Committee on Ministry of Water Resources held

The first meeting of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The meeting called for more effective roles in completing development projects on time, ensuring proper utilisation of allocated funds and enhancing the quality of government services for the people.

Committee Chairman Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon presided over the meeting on Thursday, August 13. The session began with introductions of the committee members. The meeting evaluated the government's activities over the past six months and highlighted progress in various areas of the Ministry of Water Resources. Discussions were also held on advance preparations for river erosion control and afforestation initiatives. The meeting was informed that the Padma Barrage Project has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

Additionally, the committee was briefed on the strong assurances received regarding the renewal of the Farakka Agreement. It was also informed that the main work on the Teesta Master Plan will begin next year.

The meeting featured a presentation on the ministry's ongoing development activities, project progress, implementation timelines and budget allocations.

It was reported that there are currently 93 development projects underway under the Ministry of Water Resources. A total of Tk 7,832.80 crore has been allocated for implementing these projects in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Detailed information regarding project durations, budget allocations and implementation status was also presented to the committee.

The meeting was attended by committee members, including Minister for Water Resources Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie and State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, along with other committee members.

Also present were the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, directors general of various agencies under the ministry, senior officials, heads of concerned organisations and officials from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.