ECNEC Approves 8 Projects Worth Tk 2,266 Crore

The 12th ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY26) held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. Photo : PMO

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved eight development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 2,266.41 crore, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, public services, healthcare, education, water management and power transmission across the country.

The approvals came at the 12th 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 in the chair.

Of the total project cost, Tk 2,229.13 crore will be financed from the government's own resources, while Tk 37.28 crore will be provided from the implementing agencies' own funds.

Officials said the approved projects include three new initiatives, three revised projects and two projects granted time extensions to ensure their successful completion.

According to the Ministry of Planning, the projects span several key sectors including water resources, road transport, public administration, health, education, defence and energy, reflecting the government's continued focus on improving public welfare and strengthening national infrastructure.

In the water resources sector, ECNEC approved the "Maintenance and Rehabilitation of the Barisal Irrigation Project (Phase-1)," aimed at improving irrigation facilities, boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable water management in the region.

In the transport sector, the committee cleared a major road development project to upgrade the Anwara-Banshkhali-Toitong-Pekua-Badarkhali-Chakaria (Eidmoni) Regional Highway (R-170), particularly the stretch from Kalabibir Dighi to Eidmoni, to proper standards and width. The project is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and improve transportation services in the greater Chattogram-Cox's Bazar region.

To improve public administration infrastructure, ECNEC approved a project for installing lifts at circuit houses in 33 districts and at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Thakurgaon. The initiative is expected to improve accessibility and service delivery at government facilities.

In the health sector, the committee approved the expansion project of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute under Project-2. The expansion is expected to strengthen specialized pediatric healthcare services and increase treatment capacity for children from across the country.

ECNEC also approved the first revised phase of the project for establishing a cancer centre at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka. The project aims to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities and help meet the growing demand for advanced oncology services.

The education sector received approval for two revised projects. These include continued support for the Madrasa Education Management and Information System (MEMIS), which seeks to modernize administration and improve management efficiency in madrasas nationwide.

Another approved education project involves establishing multimedia classrooms in 653 madrasas across the country to promote technology-based learning and improve the quality of education through digital teaching tools and modern classroom facilities.

In the power and energy sector, ECNEC approved a revised project to increase the capacity of existing grid substations and transmission lines. The project is expected to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution services and support the country's growing power demand.

Planning Ministry officials informed the meeting that six additional projects, each involving less than Tk 50 crore, had already been approved by the Planning Minister under delegated authority.

These projects include the development of water supply and sanitation facilities in 30 municipalities, waste management and traffic congestion mitigation initiatives under Dhaka South City Corporation, expansion of postal services, infrastructure development for the MES Training Cell in Dhaka Cantonment, the second phase of a programme aimed at eliminating child marriage, and the establishment of Paikgacha Agriculture College in Khulna.

Officials said the newly approved and revised projects are expected to contribute significantly to improving public services, strengthening infrastructure, expanding healthcare and education facilities, and accelerating socio-economic development across the country.

The ECNEC meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, Industries, Textiles and Jute, and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muqtadir, Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Public Administration and Food Md. Abdul Bari, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, and other senior government officials.