The government of Bangladesh is expected to take a final decision soon on the long-discussed Padma Barrage project as technical, survey, and feasibility studies are nearing completion, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while briefing reporters following a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.
The minister said that the study reports, technical assessments, and feasibility evaluations of the project are almost finished.
He added that once discussions are completed, the proposal is expected to be placed before the ECNEC meeting for final approval, where a formal decision will be taken.
According to officials, the meeting on water resource management was held at the Prime Minister’s Office around 10am, with the Prime Minister in the chair. The session lasted for about an hour and focused on major water sector initiatives.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said that discussions covered a wide range of issues, including canal excavation, irrigation facilities during the dry season, and large infrastructure projects such as the Padma Barrage.
Minister Anee said the Padma Barrage is expected to be one of the country’s largest water management projects, with potential benefits for a large population, particularly in northern regions.
He noted that beyond irrigation, the project is expected to help regulate water flow, improve groundwater levels, and support agriculture and fisheries.
He also said the meeting discussed the Teesta Master Plan, with its feasibility study currently underway. Further assessments will be needed before moving forward, he added.
The minister further stated that canal excavation programmes are ongoing, with the Prime Minister expected to inaugurate new initiatives in Chandpur on 16 May and in Feni on 25 May ahead of the monsoon season.
He also revealed that the government has a broader plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years as part of long-term water management efforts.
