DHAKA: The National Economic Council Executive Committee (Ecnec) approved a project to construct some 317 kilometres “border roads” on hilly frontiers with India and Myanmar along Bangladesh’s southeastern hills with a key objective of tightening border security. Briefing newsmen after the meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair, planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the construction of the “border roads” in that particular region appeared crucial because of its susceptibility to weapon and drug smuggling and human trafficking.
He said the “border roads” on the rugged hilly frontiers would enable Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other security forces to enforce a tightened vigil and help expansion of trade and commerce in the Southeast Asia and tourism facilities in the hilly areas.
He added that “It will facilitate as well marketing of agricultural products to boost economic activities and thus generate employment opportunities for the local people there.”
Mr Kamal said Roads and Highways Department and army’s Special Works Organisation were entrusted with the task of building the roads by June 2021 in six upazilas of Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati hill districts and Cox’s Bazar.
