Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to complete projects to restore Dhanmondi and Gulshan lakes within the stipulated timeframe, stressing coordinated efforts to protect the capital's environment and water bodies.

He gave the directive at a meeting on the restoration and development of Dhanmondi and Gulshan lakes and the installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

At the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on a Dhaka South City Corporation project to restore and redevelop Dhanmondi Lake, construct Nazrul Sarobar and install STPs as part of efforts to modernise Dhaka's sewerage system.

The meeting also decided to take effective measures to disconnect all illegal waste discharge lines flowing into Gulshan and Baridhara lakes within the next six months.

Officials further informed the meeting that the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) will lead a programme to clean, beautify and improve the environmental condition of Gulshan Lake.

The Prime Minister reviewed several presentations on restoring Dhaka's lakes, improving their cleanliness and expanding the installation of sewage treatment plants in residential and commercial buildings.

He emphasised the timely implementation of the projects and called for a coordinated approach to protecting the capital's environment and preserving its water bodies.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmed Sohel Monjur, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator M Safiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator M Abdus Salam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and other senior officials attended the meeting.