Border security to get priority in Naf River embankment project

Border security will be given priority in the construction of an embankment along the Naf River in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar, said Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Tuesday.

“The project will be implemented in a way that enables the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to perform its duties effectively and strengthen patrols along the border,” he said adding that the border road would help prevent smuggling and curb Rohingya infiltration.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting the dam and rehabilitation project on the banks of the Naf River in Teknaf in the afternoon.

He said local people are yet to receive the expected benefits from the project, which had been delayed for years due to flaws in its design and survey.

“The project will be redesigned and implemented afresh, keeping the national and public interests in mind, including border security, flood control, river dredging and necessary facilities for local residents,” Anee said.

He said the process might take some time as technical surveys and necessary assessments would have to be completed before further steps are taken.

Regarding the construction of sluice gates or bridges, the minister said decisions would be made after considering local residents’ opinions and needs. An expert technical team from Dhaka will soon visit the area to review the issues, he added.

Later, the minister attended a meeting with project beneficiaries at the Teknaf Upazila Parishad Hall. 

The project, launched in 2017 at an estimated cost of around Tk142 crore, now has a revised cost of Tk415.58 crore. According to government figures, 53.68% of the work has been completed. 

The project includes rehabilitation of embankments, construction of drainage facilities, re-excavation of canals, and construction of roads, bridges and culverts. 

However, concerns have been raised over the implementation of the project as it remains incomplete nearly a decade after its launch.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, Water Development Board Director General Ruhul Amin, local MP Shahjahan Chowdhury and other officials were present at the meeting.