Published: 12:15 AM, 17 June 2026
Govt approves Tk 4,189 crore Chinese Economic & Industrial Zone in Anwara
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure a comprehensive waste management system and mandatory integration of renewable energy in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram.
The directives came during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), where the 'Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone' project was approved conditional upon addressing environmental issues and incorporating sustainable energy solutions into the project design.
State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki disclosed the information while briefing reporters at NEC Conference room in the city following the ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the city.
The ECNEC approved the "Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone" at an estimated cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, aimed at accelerating industrialization and attracting foreign investment.
Of the total project cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, the government will provide Tk 1,722.1985 crore, while Tk 2,467.2612 crore will come from project loans and grants.
During the review of the project proposal, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen environmental safeguards and instructed the implementing agencies to incorporate several key measures before execution.
He directed the establishment of a full-fledged waste management system to ensure that all industrial waste is handled in accordance with modern environmental standards and protocols.
The Prime Minister also ordered the installation of an advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), stressing that the treated water must be reusable after purification.
He instructed officials to address shortcomings in the original proposal and ensure that no environmental gaps remain in the project design.
In addition, he made the integration of solar-based renewable energy a mandatory component of the project.
He directed that solar panels be installed across the industrial zone to promote the use of clean and sustainable energy.
The State Minister for Planning said the project has been approved subject to the incorporation of the Prime Minister's directives regarding waste management, advanced water treatment and reuse facilities, and renewable energy integration during the implementation phase.
He added that the implementing agencies would be required to reflect these environmental and sustainability measures in the final project execution plan.
Meanwhile, the ECNEC approved five projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 7,003.36 crore.
Of the total project cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from the government's own resources, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will be financed through project loans.
Among the approved projects, three are new while two are revised schemes.
The approved projects include one project under the Prime Minister's Office titled 'Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone.'
Three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources were also approved. These are: Rehabilitation of Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni District (Phase-I); Karatoya River System Development Project, and the first revised project for protecting Talbaria area under Mirpur upazila and Komorkandi area of Shilaidaha Union under Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River.
In addition, ECNEC approved the third revised project titled 'Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas.'
The project is being implemented under the Ministry of Education.
The meeting was also informed about four projects involving costs below Tk 50 crore that had already been approved by the Planning Minister.
These projects are: construction of an Airmen Barrack Complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox's Bazar; establishment of Navy School and College at Savar; construction of physical infrastructure for improving educational standards and teaching capacity at BAF Shaheen College under Bangladesh Air Force Station Shamshernagar; and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-based Pre-primary and Tripitaka Education Programme.
The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir; Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman; Industries, Textiles and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir; Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam; Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon; Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee; State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki and senior government officials.
