<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a Tk 5,651.13-crore project for the construction of an elevated road from Mithamoin upazila sadar to Karimganj upazila in Kishoreganj district, aiming to ensuring smooth and uninterrupted road communication in the haor region.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The approval came from an Ecnec meeting presided over by Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC Conference Room in the city.</div><div><br></div><div>"Today the meeting approved a total of 11 projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 10,640.58 crore. "Out of the total cost, Tk 7,827.50 crore will be drawn from the fund of Bangladesh government while Tk 2,880.18 crore from foreign sources as project assistance," said Planning Minister MA Mannan at a press briefing.</div><div><br></div><div>Of the 11 projects, six are fresh projects while five are revised ones, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Planning Minister said that the main objective of the elevated road construction project is to establish smooth road communication in the haor region from Mithamoin Sadar to Karimganj upazila connecting the Mithamoin cantonment.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, some 13.40 kilometer existing road from Nakbhanga circle to Morichkhali bazar would be widened to establish smooth and uninterrupted all weather road communication of Itna, Mithamoin and Austagram upazilas with Kishoreganj Sadar, Dhaka, Sylhet and other districts.</div><div><br></div><div>The main project operations include construction of 15.13 kilometer elevated road, widening of 13.40 kilometer existing road, construction of four bridges, construction of 13 toll plazas, toll monitoring buildings and check posts and construction of 13 kilometer temporary submersible roads.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, the members of Planning Commission and concerned secretaries were present at the briefing.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question if the draft EVM procurement project was placed at the meeting or not, the Planning Minister said that neither the project was in the agenda nor the Prime Minister wanted to know anything about it.</div><div><br></div><div>"But, the draft project is under process and you'll know about it when it will progress further," he said.</div><div><br></div><div>In the meeting, a brief on the country's current economic situation was made, which was appreciated by all, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the PM's directives, the Planning Minister said that the authorities concerned were asked to complete the development works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain the quality of works.</div><div><br></div><div>Mannan said the PM put emphasize on proper scrutiny before making expenditures.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam informed that the PM directed all to remain cautious in expenditure as well as maintaining austerity in expenditure.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The other projects okayed in the meeting are construction of multipurpose hydraulic elevator dam on Srimai River under Patia upazila of Chattogram with Tk 133.53 crore, Protecting Sheikh Hasina Cantonment area from the erosion of Karkhana, Bighai and Payra Rivers under Barishal district, 1st phase with Tk 676 crore, Padma River dredging and protection of left embankment from Majhirchar to Moksedpur via Narishabazar under Dohar upazila in Dhaka, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 528.06 crore, Adaptation initiative for the small islands and river Char lands in the coastal areas vulnerable to climate change with Tk 77.86 crore, Matarbari coal-based power station construction project (roads and highways department portion, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 364.81 crore.</div><div><br></div><div>The remaining projects are construction of multilane tunnel under Karnaphuli River, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 315.29 crore, Establishment of global maritime distress and safety system &amp; integrated maritime navigation system (EGIMNS) project, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk 92.46 crore, Inclusive sanitation at 25 towns in Bangladesh with Tk 2,210.70 crore, Climate Change Adapted Urban Development, Phase II (CCAUD), Khulna with Taka 491.28 crore and Ghorashal, 4th unit re powering project, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 99.46 crore. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>