Special Correspondent :
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Professor Muhammad Yunus, approved nine development projects worth Tk 11,851.29 crore at a meeting held at the NEC Conference Room on Saturday.
Of the total investment, Tk 8,046.09 crore will be sourced from government funds, Tk 2,988.95 crore through project loans, and Tk 816.25 crore from the implementing agencies’ own resources.
Project Breakdown
The approved projects span education, energy, infrastructure, and local development. Notable allocations include: Tk 1,965.02 crore for polytechnic education: Tk 451.07 crore for constructing academic buildings at eight government polytechnic institutes and Tk 1,513.95 crore to enhance capacity in 15 existing ones, Tk 4,645.58 crore for the 8th phase of the mosque-based children and mass education programme aimed at promoting religious and ethical values, Tk 4,131.42 crore for Power Transmission Strengthening and Renewable Energy Integration, Tk 539.71 crore for GRID Power Evacuation System Development under the West Zone Power Distribution Company, Tk 590.42 crore for the Urban Climate Resilient Infrastructure Project (UCRIP), Tk 184.46 crore for improving private college education through ICT, Tk 91 crore for the RAISE project focused on reintegration of returning migrants, Tk 72.60 crore for PRABRIDDHI (Local Economic Development), reflecting a first revision and increased scope.
Additionally, ECNEC approved a time extension for the Reconstruction of Mymensingh Central Jail project and reviewed updates on previously cleared projects such as the Dry Fish Processing Industry in Cox’s Bazar, the Government Video Conferencing Platform, and major infrastructure works including the Bogura-Rangpur-Saidpur Gas Transmission Pipeline and Chattogram Elevated Expressway.
Economists and development experts have offered mixed but generally positive reactions to the scale and focus of the approved projects.
Dr. Selim Raihan, a professor at the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, commended the emphasis on energy infrastructure and education. “Strengthening the transmission network and integrating renewable sources are critical for ensuring reliable power and sustainability. Investments in polytechnic education also align well with the country’s growing need for skilled technical manpower,” he said.
However, he warned about implementation challenges. “Timely and corruption-free execution remains a concern. These projects are ambitious, and unless capacity gaps in executing agencies are addressed, we risk delays and cost overruns.”
M Zakir Hossain Khan, chief executive of Change Initiative, told The New Nation that “Projects like PRABRIDDHI and RAISE aim to improve grassroots livelihoods. But their success depends on rigorous follow-up, ensuring that the benefits truly reach local communities and returning migrants.” M Khan also stressed the importance of results-based monitoring.
Fiscal Balance and Sustainability
Amid growing pressure on the national budget and increasing foreign debt, questions have also been raised about the sustainability of this financial commitment.
Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Planning Adviser, addressed such concerns during the meeting. “While government spending is significant, a large part of it is directed toward long-term capacity building. These projects are expected to yield social and economic dividends over time.”
The ECNEC’s approval of nearly Tk 12,000 crore in development spending reflects the government’s intent to bolster education, energy, infrastructure, and inclusive development. While the goals are strategically aligned with national development priorities, experts stress that effective implementation, accountability, and transparency will be the true determinants of these projects’ success.
