The Ministry of Water Resources has proposed a Tk721.5 crore project to protect the banks of the Meghna River in Bhola, with an estimated cost of around Tk12.63 lakh per metre of riverbank, significantly higher than comparable projects, officials said.
According to Planning Commission sources, riverbank protection projects typically cost between Tk7 lakh and Tk8 lakh per metre. For example, a riverbank erosion prevention project on the Sugandha River in Babuganj upazila of Barishal district cost Tk7.81 lakh per metre.
Officials added that even ongoing projects on the Meghna in Bhola do not carry such high costs.
Many projects proposed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) include inflated budgets, which are often approved in some form. The commission’s review also highlighted the inclusion of unnecessary expenditures, such as vehicle purchases and other non-essential items, the officials said.
However, Ministry of Water Resources officials said costs can vary depending on factors such as erosion intensity, riverbed depth, and local environmental conditions. They argued that the Meghna River project’s budget reflects these site-specific challenges.
According to sources, the project has been launched to protect areas of Bhola Sadar and Daulatkhan upazilas from erosion along the Meghna River. The Bangladesh Water Development Board will implement the scheme entirely with government funding between 2026 and December 2029.
The project’s proposed expenditure is under review by the Planning Commission.
Under the project, Tk505.46 crore has been allocated to protect four kilometres of riverbank, which works out at roughly Tk12.63 lakh per metre. The cost of protecting one kilometre of riverbank will therefore exceed Tk126 crore.
In addition, Tk179.94 crore has been set aside for the rehabilitation of six kilometres of coastal embankments and slope protection, with a per-metre cost of approximately Tk2.99 lakh. The project also proposes Tk33.93 crore for the construction of two drainage structures.
The scheme includes allocations for various administrative expenditures.
The Planning Commission’s Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division is responsible for reviewing the Meghna River protection project in Bhola.
Division member (secretary) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan told TIMES of Bangladesh, “When a project proposal is submitted by any agency, the Planning Commission verifies it in several stages. If any expenditure appears unusually high, it is either rejected or the ministry concerned is asked for an explanation.”
“The same process will be applied to this project. If costs are found to be excessive, the ministry will be asked to reduce them rationally,” he added.
Asked about the proposed costs in different components of the project, assistant chief of the relevant BWDB branch Mostafizur Rahman said riverbank erosion varies across locations. “In some areas, temporary protection is sufficient, while in others permanent structures are needed.
“Naturally, permanent measures are more expensive. The design is based on riverbed depth and the extent of erosion, and costs are calculated accordingly. Costs differ by location,” he said.
Executive engineer of Bhola Water Development Board, Md Zia Uddin Arif, told TIMES that the Planning Commission has been provided with explanations regarding costs.
He said the project area has a river depth of nearly 33 metres and a dumping volume of 95 metres, higher than other locations. In addition, the block strength was increased from 10.5 to 12, raising costs further.
Other budget allocations
Planning Commission sources said the project also includes allocations for administrative expenses. These include Tk3 lakh for a 160 cc motor vehicle, Tk10 lakh for the repair and maintenance of four vehicles, Tk5 lakh for publicity and advertising, and Tk9.2 lakh for obtaining environmental clearance, and Tk5 lakh has been proposed for purchasing 32 computer items.
Other provisions include Tk34.4 lakh for stipends, Tk13 lakh for surveys, and Tk10 lakh for 1,441 field trips. Additionally, Tk20 lakh has been allocated for petrol, oil and lubricants, and Tk5 lakh for printing and binding.
