Ecnec okays 13 projects worth Tk8,333cr
Staff Reporter :
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday approved 13 development projects with an estimated outlay of Tk8,333.28 crore, aimed at bolstering infrastructure, energy, education, and social welfare across the country.
Of the approved funding, Tk4,437.82 crore will come from the government exchequer, Tk1,225.36 crore will be sourced as project assistance, while Tk2,670.09 crore will be financed by the implementing agencies themselves.
Chief Adviser and Ecnec Chairperson Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
According to the Planning Ministry, the projects include seven new initiatives, five revised ones, and one extension without any additional costs.
Among the significant approvals is the third revision of the “Information Apa: Empowerment of Women through ICT” programme under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, aimed at enhancing women’s access to digital resources and skills.
In the education sector, Ecnec approved the modernisation of research laboratories and infrastructure at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur, to foster advanced research and innovation.
Energy projects include the procurement of a 2,000-horsepower drilling rig, evaluation and exploratory well drilling in Bhola, and the modernisation of Nesco’s electricity distribution system.
The committee also endorsed key industrial and commercial initiatives such as the third revision of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, the first revision of Sheikh Hasina Specialised Jute Textile Mill, and the proposed Jamuna Specialised Jute and Textile Mill project.
To strengthen disaster preparedness, Ecnec approved the construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters in coastal areas under Phase-3 of the ongoing programme.
The local government portfolio featured several high-impact projects, including Phase-2 of the Khulna Water Supply Project, solid waste management initiatives in Narayanganj City Corporation, and the “Integrated Service and Livelihood for Displaced People from Myanmar and Host Communities” under LGED.
In housing and infrastructure, Ecnec sanctioned the first revised project for the expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport (Phase-1) and extended the timeline-without additional costs-for the construction of multi-storey flats for government officials in Mirpur Paikpara, Dhaka.
Planning Commission officials noted that the approval of these projects reflects a balanced focus on social development, economic competitiveness, disaster resilience, and infrastructure modernisation.