Dhaka, June 24 (V7N) — A major new project is being launched to address the water crisis and infrastructure challenges faced by the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The initiative, costing approximately Tk 6.5 billion, will be largely funded through grants, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a loan of Tk 232 crore for its implementation.

The Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) will carry out the project, with a target completion date of 2028.

The project was discussed at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, held at the NEC Auditorium on Tuesday (June 24). Fifteen projects were on the meeting’s agenda, with a total estimated cost of Tk 6,868 crore.

According to the Planning Commission, project costs in 18 sectors related to improving the Rohingyas' quality of life have been streamlined. Key components of the initiative include:

  • Human waste management systems for the Bhasan Char Rohingya camp

  • Development of water reservoirs in Ukhia

  • Construction of safe water pipelines in Teknaf Municipality

In addition to the Rohingya support initiative, discussions at the ECNEC meeting also focused on other national development projects, including:

  • Construction of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers in seven divisional cities

  • Implementation of Bangladesh’s 3rd submarine cable

  • Construction of a new fertilizer storage godown

The new project reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving humanitarian conditions for Rohingya refugees while advancing key national infrastructure priorities.

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