ECNEC approves five projects worth Tk7,003 crore

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved five projects with a total estimated cost of Tk7,003.36 crore.

Of the total outlay, Tk4,536.10 crore will be financed from the government's own funds, while Tk2,467.26 crore will come through project loans.

The approvals were granted at the 13th ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY2025-26), held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presiding.

Of the five approved projects, three are new initiatives and two are revised projects.

Among them is the 'Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone' under the Prime Minister's Office.

ECNEC also cleared three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources: 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 in Mirpur upazila and the Komorkandi area of Shilaidaha Union in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River.

The committee further approved the third revised project titled 'Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas' under the Ministry of Education.

The meeting was also informed that the Planning Minister had already approved four projects, each costing less than Tk50 crore. These include the construction of an Airmen Barrack Complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox's Bazar, establishment of a Navy School and College at Savar, development of physical infrastructure to enhance educational standards 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.

Among those present at the meeting were 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, and other senior government officials.