Bangladesh has approved the long-anticipated Padma Barrage project, marking a major step toward fulfilling a six-decade-old vision. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, granted final approval for the first phase of the 2.1-kilometer barrage at Pangsha in Rajbari. The project, costing Tk 344.97 billion, will run from July 2026 to June 2033 and be fully funded by the government. It aims to conserve water during the dry season and prevent desertification across vast areas of the country.

According to the Planning Commission, the Water Resources Ministry proposed the project, to be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The barrage will store about 2,900 million cubic meters of water, reviving five rivers and improving irrigation for 2.9 million hectares of farmland. Expected benefits include increased rice and fish production and significant socio-economic gains. Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny stated that no discussions with India are required for the project.

Experts believe the barrage will help mitigate water scarcity, salinity, and siltation problems in the southwest, ensuring sustainable freshwater supply and supporting regional agriculture and ecology.