The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has approved leasing 120 acres of land at the Jamuna Bridge site to Northwest Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) for setting up a 55-megawatt solar power plant, aimed at promoting environment-friendly and sustainable energy generation.

The decision was taken at the 117th board meeting of the Bridge Authority held at the conference room of Setu Bhaban on Thursday afternoon, chaired by Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Chairman of the BBA Board Shaikh Rabiul Alam.

Board members attended the meeting both in person and through the Zoom online platform, and shared their opinions on various proposals.

At the outset of the meeting, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority presented the agenda and gave a detailed account of the progress made in implementing decisions of the previous board meeting.

Following discussion and review, the board took a series of key decisions.

Apart from approving the solar plant land lease, the board decided to revise the existing rehabilitation policy for flat allocation at the Rehabilitation Village, in order to better safeguard the rights of families affected by the Dhaka Elevated Expressway construction project.

As part of the government's green employment initiative, the board also approved incorporating solar panel installation into the Bridge Authority's scope of work and preparing a master plan in this regard.

The meeting approved renewal of the agreement for operating BIAM Laboratory School at Diabari in Uttara.

The board also decided to establish a Centre for Bridge Research and Training (CBRT) under the Bangladesh Bridge Authority to build professional knowledge, expertise and research capacity in constructing and maintaining larger structures.

Additionally, the board approved replacing the term "annual scholarship" with "annual education grant assistance" under the Bangladesh Bridge Authority Officers and Employees Welfare Trust Rules, 2010 to clarify the nature of the welfare benefit.

In his remarks as chair, Minister Rabiul said the present government is working to build a sustainable and environment-friendly communication system.

He directed all officials and authorities concerned to work with dedication to ensure quick and transparent implementation of all decisions taken by the board.