Staff Correspondent:

The technical, survey, and feasibility studies for the Padma Barrage project have nearly been finalised, with the government expected to reach a definitive decision on the matter shortly.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee shared the development on Wednesday following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

The minister said the project are complete and will be tabled before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for formal discussion and approval.

The meeting, which began at 10am at the Prime Minister’s Office, lasted an hour.

Tarique’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said the discussion covered canal excavation, irrigation support for farmers during the dry season, and the Padma Barrage project among other issues.

After the meeting, Anee said priority tasks to be completed before placing the project had also been reviewed.

Following the meeting, Anee briefed the media on the significance of the project.

“The technical aspects and surveys for the Padma Barrage, which is one of the largest projects in Bangladesh, are almost finished,” he said.

The minister added that the government is currently identifying immediate priority tasks required before the project formally begins.

He underscored that the barrage is a critical electoral pledge made by the prime minister in Rajshahi.

According to him, the project is vital for the welfare of one-third of the country’s population, particularly those residing in the 24 districts in northern Bangladesh.

Beyond irrigation, the project is designed to regulate water flow, maintain groundwater levels, and support fisheries and the agricultural sector through a coordinated management approach, he said.

Discussions also touched on the Teesta Mega Plan.

“The feasibility study for the Teesta project is ongoing. More detailed analysis is needed. We discussed how the project can benefit people in that region and the country,” Anee said.

In response to a question, the minister said canal excavation programmes are under way across the country.

According to Anee, Tarique is scheduled to visit Chandpur on May 16, where canal excavation will be among several programmes, while a visit to Feni is set for May 25.

While the current phase of the programme will continue through May, the minister explained that work would pause during the rainy season and resume in November.