The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) sanctioned a naval base, perimeter fencing and watchtower construction project at Bhashan Char Rohingya Camp to ensure security, says the Ministry of Planning.
Planning Minister M A Mannan said, ‘Poverty-stricken people of the country will be rehabilitated at the facility, after the repatriation of exiled Myanmarese nationals.”
According to the Ministry, the ‘Ashrayon-3’ project, which is an initiative of Prime Minister’s Office, also includes infrastructure development and forestation to make the Noakhali’s island habitable for 100,000 exiled Rohingyas.
Bangladesh Navy has been instructed to complete the Tk 30.95 billion project by Dec 31, 2021.
The project proposal reads, 1,440 barrack houses, 11 shelter stations, nine modified shelter stations, communication structures, two hospitals, four community clinics, fuel tanks, renewable energy production, electricity sub-stations, warehouses and roads will be constructed at the island.
A 5.8 million cubic meter barrage will be built to prevent floods and cyclones, it added.
Apart from these, an office and residential facility including a helipad, radar stations, watchtowers and perimeter fence will be constructed for the operation of the Navy, who will be responsible for the security of the area.
Bhashan Char, also known as Thengar Char, is located 21 nautical miles from Noakhali, 11 nautical miles from Jahajir Char, 4.2 nautical miles from Sandwip, 28 nautical miles from Patenga, and 13.2 nautical miles from Hatia.