The main implementation work on the Teesta Master Plan will begin next year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources was informed on Thursday.
The committee held its first meeting at the National parliament Bhaban, with Chairman of the committee Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, in the chair.
The meeting began with an introductory session, followed by a review of the Water Resources Ministry’s activities over the past six months. Members noted significant progress in several areas of the ministry’s work.
The meeting discussed advance measures to prevent river erosion, tree plantation and other initiatives. It was also informed that the Padma Barrage Project had received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The committee was further briefed on strong assurances regarding the renewal of the Farakka Treaty.
A presentation on the ministry’s overall activities was made at the meeting, covering ongoing development projects, progress, implementation timelines and budget allocations.
The ministry currently has 93 development projects under implementation, with Tk 7,832.80 crore allocated for them in the 2026-27 fiscal year, the meeting was told.
The committee urged the ministry to complete projects within their stipulated deadlines, ensure the proper and efficient use of allocated funds and take more effective measures to improve public services.
Water Resources Minister Mohammad Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, and committee members AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, Alamgir Mohammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid, Munsi Rafiqul Alam, Md Izzat Ullah, Md Mashiur Rahman Khan and Md Oli Ullah attended the meeting.
The Water Resources Ministry secretary, directors general of various agencies under the ministry, senior officials, heads of relevant agencies and officials from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present.
