The minister said the project was approved by ECNEC just two and a half months after the election. Being implemented in two phases, the project will cost Tk 35,000 crore in the first phase and Tk 50,000 to 55,000 crore in the second phase. He said Begum Khaleda Zia had taken the initiative for the project in 2004. At present, through Tarek Rahman's courageous steps, the project is being implemented quickly for improving the living standards of riverbank people and in the interest of the country.

Noting that such a big challenge can be faced only by an elected government, the Water Resources Minister said work will be expedited at the initiative of the Water Development Board and the ministry. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azadi, MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Advocate Selim Reza Habib and senior officials of the local administration were present at the meeting.