The government on Sunday put on hold the proposal to form two new divisions – named after two major rivers in the country, Padma and Meghna.

The decision was made in a meeting of the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reforms (NICAR), chaired by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at the PMO.

Confirming the matter, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said the proposal has been suspended as huge amount of funding will be needed to implement it.

On November 22, the Cabinet Division finalised the proposal to form two new divisions, Padma and Meghna.

The proposed Padma division will comprise five districts of Faridpur and Meghna division will have six districts – three each from Cumilla and Noakhali.