Bangladesh is going to construct ‘border roads’ in hilly areas along the India-Myanmar border aiming to ensure better security through improved road communications.  

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved a project titled ‘Construction of Border Roads’ involving Tk 1,699.85 crore, reports the UNB.

ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting held at the NEC conference room, reports the UNB.

While briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the Road and Highways Department and the Special Works Organisation of Bangladesh Army have been given the responsibility to implement the project.

The project will be completed in six upazilas of Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Rangamati and Cox’s Bazar districts by June 2021.

The project will be implemented at Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban, Juraichhari, Borkol and Rajstali upazilas of Rangamati, Ukhiaupazila of Cox’s Bazar and Baghaichhari upazila of Khagrachhari.

Out of the proposed 317 kilometers roads, some 40 kilometers will be constructed on the Ukhia-Ashartoli-Fooltuli route, 52 kilometers on the Sajek-Shildah-Betling, 95 kilometers on Sajek-Dokanghat-Thegamukh, and 130 kilometers on Thegamukh-Loitongpara-Thachhi-Dumdumia-Rajsthali route.

Bangladesh has around 540 kilometers borders — 330 kilometers with India and 210 kilometers with Myanmar.

On implementation of the project, border guards are expected to be able to ensure strict measures in hilly border areas, curb illegal drugs and arms smuggling through improved road communications.

This project will also help expand trade and commerce, develop tourism facilities in hilly areas, facilitate marketing of agricultural products to boost economic activities and generate employment opportunities.

The Planning Minister said 16 projects were approved today with an overall estimated cost of Tk 9,680.05 crore.

Of the approved 16 projects, 12 are new while four are revised ones.