Dhaka: 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. The approval was made during an ECNEC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the government will finance Tk 2,229.13 crore of the total project cost, with implementing agencies contributing Tk 37.28 crore from their own funds. The approved projects span various sectors, including water resources, transport infrastructure, public administration, health, education, and power, encompassing both new and revised projects, along with time extensions for two existing projects.
Among the major approvals is the first-phase maintenance and rehabilitation of the Barishal Irrigation Project, overseen by the Ministry of Water Resources. Another significant project is the upgrading of the Anwara-Banshkhali-Toitong-Pekua-Badarkhali-Chakaria (Idmani) regional highway to meet required standards. Additionally, a project for installing lifts at circuit houses and deputy commissioners’ offices in 33 districts, including Thakurgaon, received approval.
In the health sector, ECNEC sanctioned the second phase of the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Expansion Project. The committee also approved the first revised project for expanding existing grid substations and transmission lines under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Other endorsed initiatives include the second phase of the Cancer Centre construction project at CMH Dhaka, the third revision of the Madrasa Education Management and Information System (MEMIS) Support Project, and the establishment of multimedia classrooms in 653 madrasas nationwide.
ECNEC was also briefed on six projects, each costing less than Tk 50 crore, previously approved by the Planning Minister. These projects focus on improving water supply and sanitation services in 30 municipalities, waste management and mechanized parking in Dhaka South City Corporation, expansion of postal services, MES Training Cell infrastructure at Dhaka Cantonment, a child marriage prevention initiative, and the revised Paikgachha Agricultural College establishment project in Khulna.
Several ministers and senior government officials participated in the meeting.