PM Blocks Purchase of Nearly Tk 20 Million Vehicle in Tk 15.42 Billion Project

A proposal to purchase a single jeep for the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni district had been made with much anticipation. The allocated budget for the vehicle was Tk 17.2 million. However, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman intervened and blocked the purchase, according to relevant sources. 

The decision to prohibit the vehicle purchase was made during the ECNEC meeting held at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

An official who attended the ECNEC meeting told Agamir Somoy that while approving the Tk 15.42 billion project, the Prime Minister noticed the proposal for the vehicle purchase. At that point, he clearly instructed that the proposal be removed in the interest of saving public funds.

In response to the Prime Minister’s remarks, relevant officials reportedly requested permission to retain at least one vehicle. However, the State Minister for Planning argued that allowing even a single vehicle would be inappropriate, as it could set an undesirable precedent. Ultimately, following the Prime Minister’s directive, the proposal to purchase the vehicle was cancelled.

During the meeting, while approving the Chinese Economic Zone project, the Prime Minister also sought detailed information regarding the loan and its conditions. In response, project officials stated that the interest rate on the loan would range between 2 and 3 percent, which they described as a very standard rate.

At the ECNEC meeting, five major projects involving a total expenditure of Tk 70.03 billion were approved. Of the total amount, Tk 45.36 billion will come from government funding (GoB), while Tk 24.67 billion will be financed through foreign loans.

Among the approved projects, three are new and two are revised. These projects mainly focus on infrastructure development, river management, flood control, and the expansion of technical education across the country.

Under the Prime Minister’s Office, a project titled “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone” has been approved. Relevant officials believe the project will help accelerate industrialisation by strengthening infrastructure support in special economic zones.

Three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources were also approved. These include the first phase of the rehabilitation project for flood control, water drainage, and irrigation systems in the Muhuri-Kahua area of Feni district. In addition, the Karatoa River System Development Project and a revised project aimed at protecting vulnerable areas in Mirpur and Kumarkhali upazilas of Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River were approved.

Authorities expect these projects to play an effective role in preventing river erosion, improving agricultural irrigation systems, and reducing flood risks.

Additionally, the third revised proposal for the project titled “Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas” under the Ministry of Education was approved. The project is considered important for expanding technical education and developing a skilled workforce.