Bangladesh Coast Guard is set to receive a vital boost after the government approved the second revision of a major project, aimed at enhancing its operational infrastructure. This revision has resulted in both an increase in the project’s cost and an extension of the completion deadline.
The project titled “Establishment of Logistics and Fleet Maintenance Facilities for Bangladesh Coast Guard (2nd Revised)” has seen its budget rise to Tk 757.62 crore, marking a 29.64 per cent increase, or Tk173.21 crore, from the previously revised allocation.
The Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s waters and coastal areas. Its responsibilities include preventing piracy, tackling illegal trafficking, protecting fisheries, and ensuring the security of oil, gas, and forest resources. It also helps maintain order at seaports and provides relief and rescue operations during natural disasters.
This initiative aims to develop the Coast Guard’s own fleet maintenance capacity and establish a centralized logistics support system. The project had already undergone one revision.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) first approved the project in June 2016, with an estimated cost of Tk448.47 crore and a targeted completion date of June 2021.
The first revision, approved in January 2022, increased the cost to Tk584.40 crore, pushing the completion date to June 2023. The timeline was subsequently extended twice, first to June 2024 and then to June 2026, without any cost escalation. The latest revision introduces both a budget increase and a further extension to June 2026.
Officials at the Planning Commission have pointed out several reasons for these adjustments, including damage to river protection embankments that led to design modifications, delays in land acquisition, and slow fund disbursement.
The Covid-19 pandemic also hindered procurement activities. Additionally, fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar delayed machinery imports, while difficulties in attracting eligible bidders for some procurement packages led to re-tendering and price adjustments.
The project’s specialised nature also contributed to the delays. Various types of works were grouped into single procurement packages, which added complexity to the bidding and execution process. Moreover, updated civil works estimates based on the revised 2023 schedule of rates showed that prices for many items exceeded the previous estimates, necessitating a further revision of costs.
The revised project plan includes land development, the construction of 13 non-residential buildings, and the procurement of vehicles, pontoons, electrical and firefighting equipment, machinery, computers, office furniture, and other infrastructure.
The project’s largest allocation, Tk289.89 crore, is dedicated to machinery and equipment. The remaining budget is divided between construction (Tk189.65 crore) and non-residential facilities (Tk169.10 crore).
The facilities are being constructed on 29.73 acres of Coast Guard-owned land in Gajaria upazila of Munshiganj, located along the Meghna River. This site was selected due to its river access and ample space for a dockyard and supporting facilities. Given the limited land available in Dhaka for expansion, the Munshiganj site is designated as the hub for new support units, warehouses, administrative buildings, training centers, and maintenance workshops.
By January 2025, the project had achieved 76.98 per cent of its financial progress, with Tk410.2 crore already spent, and 70.19 per cent of its physical progress completed.
The government’s Vision 2030 for the Coast Guard includes significant expansions in manpower and operational responsibilities. The 8th Five-Year Plan also focuses on enhancing maritime surveillance by procuring advanced ships, vessels, and technologies. This project aligns fully with those long-term goals.
The Planning Commission has endorsed the revised proposal, stating that the completion of this project will significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s fleet maintenance capabilities and operational efficiency. It will also establish a centralized warehousing system for machinery and equipment, improving readiness and responsiveness to maritime challenges.
