As South Asia’s rivers become battlegrounds for competing dam projects, Bangladesh faces a critical water dilemma.

Its original name was the Ganges Barrage, which is more appropriate because the river is known as the Ganges up to Daulatdia.

Tarique Rahman says the projects will help protect agriculture, store monsoon water and reduce climate-related risks

Extensive feasibility studies must be conducted before launching megaprojects like the Padma Barrage.

The government has approved the first phase of the Padma barrage project at Tk 34,497 crore with the aim of reviving five major river systems, reducing seawater intrusion and storing 2,900 million cubic metres of water in the Padma river.

The government is set to implement the much-anticipated Padma barrage project at an initial cost of Tk 33,474 crore, aimed at reviving five major river systems and storing 2,900 million cubic metres of water in the Padma river.