PM for building jetties at convenient coastal areas: Cabinet secretary

In the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked authorities concerned to build jetties or terminals at convenient coastal areas after carrying out a survey within the quickest possible time.

The meeting was held in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with the premier in the chair on Monday.

Later, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain held a press conference at the Bangladesh Secretariat about the decisions of the meeting.

In the meeting, the prime minister also gave directives to build a fertiliser factory to ensure proper utilisation of newly discovered oil reserves in the country after conducting the required survey, said the cabinet secretary.

Mahbub said the cabinet approved the draft of bilateral agreement to be inked between Bangladesh and the EU for aviation. The draft of the national volunteer policy for 2023 also got cabinet clearance, he said.

As per the policy, volunteers will be provided training, an identity card, safety equipment, and legal aid, he said.

The volunteer will be equipped for going abroad, while volunteers of BNCC, Rover Scout and other voluntary organisations will get recognition for their service, he said.

A council will be held and constituted under the leadership of disaster management and relief minister, Mahbub added.

Draft of marine tourism policy, 2023 also got the cabinet's nod to popularize marine tourism, facilitate tourists with modern amenities and attract foreign investors in tourism sector and provide required assistance to tour operator, he said, adding that the policy will extend cooperation if Hajj pilgrims wants to go Saudi Arabia on marine route.

The cabinet approved a draft agreement between Bangladesh and Kosovo on cultural cooperation.

Madarganj Solar Power Company Limited, a 20-year term joint venture committee (JVC) under the joint initiative of CREC International Renewable Energy Company Limited (CIRE), China and B-R Powergen Limited (BRPL) got the cabinet clearance in the meeting, Mahbub Hossain said.

He said the solar power company is being built on around 350 acres of land as BRPL will be 30 percent share holder while Chinese company CIRE will hold rest of share.