Govt plans to build tunnel under Jamuna

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday in parliament placed her government's plan to implement seven mega projects, including 12-kilometer multi-purpose tunnel under the Jamuna river and 80-km elevated expressway from Hemayetput to Madanpur via Sirajdikhan. 

As planned by the Bridges Division, the government will also build 38km elevated expressway from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital to Chandra via Ashulia, PM said in a scripted reply.

The other projects are a 2.5km bridge over the Meghna river, a 1.5km bridge on the Arial Kha river in Barisal district and a 1.58km bridge on the Golachipa and a 1.69km bridge on the Paira river in Patuakhali.

Details were not given as to when work on the projects will begin and complete.

NO “IS” IN BANGLADESH

Replying to lawmakers' queries, PM reiterated that international terrorist outfits like Islamic State did not exist in Bangladesh, but a few homegrown groups were carrying out acts of terrorism across the country.

In a scripted reply, Hasina also pointed out her government's zero tolerance to terrorism and militancy, and its pledge to fight militants with an iron hand.

Referring to the stringent measures undertaken against terrorism and militancy, PM said police were active round-the-clock to take legal action against identified extremists and seize illegal arms, drugs and explosives.

Besides, she said all national highways, railways, waterways, industrial belts, tourist spots, important establishments and public places had long been brought under constant security surveillance to ward off any kind of sabotage, militant attacks and violence.

"Those who have been implicated in the cases of sabotage and are now on bail have also been kept under watch so that such elements cannot go for any more violent activities in the country.”

The leader of the House also said the intelligence activities had been strengthened in the areas where foreigners were living and the roads they used for movement.

Moreover, close circuit cameras have been installed and vigilance at the check post has been strengthened, she added. 

No plan to reduce diesel price

The premier ruled out the possibility of decreasing the diesel price now.

"Whenever the loan taken by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation will be paid off, we'll consider reducing the diesel price, if necessary.”

Replying to a question, the PM said her government had provided subsidy on diesel when the price was high in the international market, causing BPC to take out loan of around Tk 38,000 crore.

Besides, there is a considerable amount of VAT and duty that is still unpaid. This is the first time that BPC has been able to make some savings, she added.

BPC has already repaid Tk 5,000 crore, she pointed out.

"It has to repay more.... Tk 15,000-16,000 crore is awaiting repayment," she added.

No plan to split civil aviation and tourism ministry

Hasina informed the House that no plan was on the cards to split the civil aviation and tourism ministry into two since the minister was doing well in boosting tourism in the country.