DHAKA: Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved a project worth Tk 478 crore, aiming to curb human tracking amid growing migrant crisis.

The approval came at the ECNEC meeting, held at NEC conference room at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in city, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said under the project, home ministry will procure three inshore vessels, three large high-speed boats, a floating crane, materials and furniture for Bangladesh Coast Guard office.

Regarding the matter, the minister said, “Everyday we notice reports of trafficking in the coastal area”.

“In these circumstances, the government cannot play the role of silent spectator. So, the project has been approved quickly.”

“After implementation of the project, human trafficking is expected to be curbed,” he hoped.

According to the minister, this project is intended to guard the wealth of the country.

Under the project ‘Enhancement of the operational capabilities of Bangladesh Coast Guard’, human trafficking will be prevented in the coastal areas.

Bangladesh Coast Guard office will implement the project from January, 2015 to August, 2018.

Moreover, home affairs ministry has taken up the project with the aim of different goals.

The goals include curbing human trafficking, preventing illegal fishing in the waters, reducing illegal entry and smuggling, preserving national interests in both inland and coastal waters and preventing the killing of jatka (hilsa fry) and mother hilsa.

Security of the people, who work in coastal areas of the country, will be ensured as well as piracy will be resisted in the Bangladesh maritime boundary, the minister added.

The lifting capacity of Bangladesh Coast Guard will be increased to strengthen maintenance and rescue operation boosting immediate supply in remote 'operational' areas.

BDST: 1531 HRS, MAY 19, 2015
RS/RR/SMS