The first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad convened today at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Committee Chairman Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, presided over the meeting, which began with an introductory session among the committee members. The meeting reviewed the activities of the Ministry of Water Resources over the past six months and acknowledged the ministry’s progress in various areas. Several key initiatives were discussed, including advance preparations to prevent river erosion and tree plantation programs.
The committee was informed that the Padma Barrage Project has already received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Additionally, strong assurances were received regarding the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, commonly known as the Farakka Treaty. The main work on the Teesta Master Plan is expected to commence next year.
A comprehensive presentation was given to the committee detailing the overall activities of the Ministry of Water Resources. This included information on ongoing development activities, project progress, implementation periods, and budget allocations. It was reported that 93 development projects are currently being implemented under the Ministry of Water Resources, with a total allocation of Tk 7,832.80 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27.
The committee urged the authorities to ensure the timely completion of development projects, efficient utilization of allocated funds, and the implementation of more effective measures to enhance the quality of public services. The meeting was attended by Minister for Water Resources Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, MP; State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP; and other members of the committee. Senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and the Parliament Secretariat were also present.
