Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the rehabilitation work of the BDT 1,542 crore Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project, designed to deliver a lasting resolution to the persistent flooding and severe waterlogging crisis in Feni.

The Prime Minister formally launched the scheme at 2:18 pm at the Kheya Ghat site adjacent to the Muhuri Bridge in Parshuram upazila, marking his first official visit to Feni since assuming office.

The mega-infrastructure initiative focuses on modernizing flood defenses, drainage networks, and irrigation frameworks centered around the Muhuri and Kohua rivers.

Project officials anticipate that the successful execution of these works will markedly mitigate regional flood risks, enhance agricultural and irrigation capacity, and safeguard the lives and property of riverside communities.

Sanctioned by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the comprehensive project encompasses the rehabilitation of approximately 68 kilometers of embankments, the re-excavation of 83.5 kilometers of riverbeds, and the reinforcement of over 11.5 kilometers of riverbanks utilizing protective block placement.

Additionally, the development plan features the construction of a modern hydraulic elevated dam.

The project carries notable historical resonance, as the initial construction of Feni’s foundational 122-kilometer main embankment commenced during the first tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Local residents remarked that the modernization, expansion, and launch of new embankment works by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman mark a pivotal new era in managing flood vulnerabilities across Feni.

Beyond major infrastructure development, the Prime Minister’s official schedule includes programs devoted to social protection, environmental conservation and agricultural assistance.

Residents in flood-susceptible regions across Parshuram, Fulgazi, and neighboring areas have long demanded sustainable river embankments, efficient drainage systems, and modernized irrigation structures.

The inauguration event was attended by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and Feni-3 MP Abdul Awal Mintoo; and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad.

Other distinguished attendees included Feni-1 MP Munshi Rafiqul Alam Maznu, Feni-2 MP Prof Zainal Abedin (VP Zainal), Khagrachhari MP Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reserved seat MP Rehana Akhter Ranu, along with political leaders and grassroots activists from various affiliated bodies.