The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) today approved a project for improving security along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox's Bazar and prevent intrusion from Myanmar.

The project titled “Rehabilitation of Polders (67/A, 67, 67/B and 68) along Naf River at Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas for improving the security on Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox's Bazar” will be implemented at an estimated cost of Tk 141.65 crore by June 2020.

The approval came from the regular Ecnec meeting, held at the NEC Conference Room, with Ecnec Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the entire cost of the project will come from the national exchequer.

He said controlling flood and improving water extraction system in the project area are also the main goals of the project.

The minister said there are a 47.60km flood control dam and 46 water extraction infrastructures under polders 67/A, 67, 67/B and 68 built by Bangladesh Water Development Board along the right bank of the Naf River.

The flood control dam and water extraction infrastructures were damaged by natural disasters, including cyclone, flood and excessive rain, in 1991, 2007, 2008 and 2010.

"Border Guard Bangladesh has been using the flood control embankment to resist the influx of Rohingya. It has become difficult for BGB members to continue their border patrolling works as the dam remain damaged," he said.

The project was taken following the proposal of a technical committee formed in this regard by Bangladesh Water Development Board formed in 2015, he added.

Besides, the 16th Ecnec meeting of the current fiscal year also cleared 13 other projects, including Implementation of Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act 2012 (VAT Online) (2nd revised) Project.

Mustafa Kamal said, "A total of 14 projects were approved at the meeting today involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 6,228.49 crore."

Of the estimated cost, Tk 5,421.40 crore will come from the national exchequer, while Tk 65.81 crore from the own funds of the organisations concerned and Tk 741.28 crore as project assistance, he said.

Of the 14 projects, nine are new, while five projects are revised ones.