News Desk
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday, June 16 approved five major development projects involving an estimated expenditure of Tk 7,003.36 crore, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, flood protection, technical education, and industrial development across the country.
Of the total project cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will be financed from the government’s own resources, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will come through project loans.
The approvals were granted at the 13th ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY26), held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to officials, three of the approved projects are new initiatives, while two are revised versions of previously approved schemes.
Among the newly approved projects is the ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone’ under the Prime Minister’s Office. The initiative is expected to facilitate the development of infrastructure required to support investment and industrial activities within the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, thereby contributing to employment generation and economic growth.
The ECNEC meeting also approved three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources. These include the Rehabilitation of Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni District (Phase-I), the Karatoya River System Development Project, and the first revised project for protecting the Talbaria area under Mirpur upazila and the Komorkandi area of Shilaidaha Union under Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River.
The water resource projects are expected to enhance flood control measures, improve irrigation facilities, and protect vulnerable riverbank communities from erosion, benefiting thousands of residents in the affected regions.
In the education sector, ECNEC approved the third revised project titled ‘Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas’, being implemented under the Ministry of Education. The project aims to expand access to technical and vocational education and equip young people with skills relevant to the country’s evolving labour market.
The meeting was also informed that four projects, each involving expenditures below Tk 50 crore, had already received approval from the Planning Minister under delegated authority. These projects include the construction of an Airmen Barrack Complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar, the establishment of Navy School and College at Savar, the development of educational infrastructure and teaching capacity at BAF Shaheen College under Bangladesh Air Force Station Shamshernagar, and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-based Pre-primary and Tripitaka Education Programme.
The ECNEC meeting was attended by several cabinet members, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Industries, Textiles and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, alongside senior government officials.
The newly approved projects reflect the government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure development, disaster management, industrial expansion, and human resource development as part of its broader economic agenda for the current fiscal year.
