Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure a comprehensive waste management system and the mandatory integration of renewable energy in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone located in Anwara, Chattogram.

The directives were issued during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

At the meeting, the "Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone" was officially approved, conditional upon the authorities thoroughly addressing environmental issues and incorporating sustainable energy solutions directly into the project design.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki disclosed the information while briefing reporters at the NEC Conference Room following the high-level meeting, which was held at the Cabinet Division in the capital.

The ECNEC approved the crucial infrastructure project at an estimated total cost of BDT 4,189.4597 crore, with the primary goals of accelerating industrialization and attracting foreign investment.

Out of this total amount, the Government of Bangladesh will provide BDT 1,722.1985 crore from its own resources, while the remaining BDT 2,467.2612 crore will be financed through external project loans and grants.

During the comprehensive review of the project proposal, the Prime Minister strongly emphasized the critical need to strengthen environmental safeguards.

He explicitly instructed the implementing agencies to incorporate several key ecological measures before proceeding with the execution phase.

First, the Prime Minister directed the establishment of a full-fledged waste management system to guarantee that all industrial waste generated within the zone is handled strictly in accordance with modern environmental standards and protocols.

Second, he ordered the installation of an advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).

In this regard, he heavily stressed that the treated water must be fully reusable after purification, ensuring sustainable water management.

To implement this effectively, he instructed officials to rectify any existing shortcomings in the original proposal and ensure that no environmental gaps remain in the final project design.

In addition to waste and water treatment mandates, the Prime Minister made the integration of solar-based renewable energy a strictly mandatory component of the entire development project.

He directed that solar panels be systematically installed across the industrial zone to aggressively promote the use of clean, sustainable energy.

Reflecting on the approval process, the State Minister for Planning confirmed that the project's final clearance is strictly subject to the full incorporation of the Prime Minister’s directives regarding modern waste management, advanced water treatment and reuse facilities and green energy integration.

He added that the implementing agencies are required by law to accurately reflect these environmental and sustainability measures in the final project execution plan.