Pronk meets Razzaq, Alamgir
Dutch aid for reexcavation of Gorai river sought
The visiting Dutch Minister for Development Co-operation, Jan P Pronk, who is leading a 12-member delegation, called on Water Resources Minister Abdur Razzaq at his Secretariat office yesterday, reports BSS.
Abdur Razzaq briefed the minister about the various development activities undertaken by the government in the water sector.
The minister informed that the re-excavation of the Gorai river is vital for checking saline intrusion and to maintain environmental and ecological balance. He said, due to the salinity and environmental hazard, nearly 40 million people of south-west region of the country including the largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, are now under threat.
In this connection, Razzaq sought technical and financial assistance of the Dutch government.
In response, Pronk said his government will extend all possible assistance and co-operation in this regard. They also discussed other bilateral issues.
Dr ATM Shamsul Huda, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources was also present.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation Jan P Pronk, called on State Minister for Planning, Civil Aviation and Tourism Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir at his Secretariat office yesterday.
During the meeting they discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations, including those relating to the 5th five-year plan, education, flood protection, planning and construction of Ganga barrage.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Bangladesh, RA Vernis, was also present.
UNB adds: An environmental group has appealed to the Dutch Development Cooperation Minister Jan Pronk for an immediate moratorium of all activities related to the Flood Action Plan (FAP-20) project in Tangail.
Environmental Activists Group, Bangladesh, in a letter to the Dutch minister demanded independent evaluation of the project activities and compensation for all affected people.
It said there must be a financial audit and complete evaluation of expenses in the project to-date, and people's participation must be ensured in all stages of water resources management.
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