The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 14 development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 13,445.41 crore, aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s infrastructure, healthcare, transport, and economic resilience.
The approval came at the 10th ECNEC meeting of the 2025–26 fiscal year and the second meeting of the current government, held at the Cabinet Division conference room. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Funding Structure of the Projects
According to official sources, the total project cost will be financed through multiple channels:
- Tk 8,089.56 crore from government funds
- Tk 5,340.26 crore from project loans
- Tk 15.59 crore from contributions of concerned organizations
Among the approved initiatives, five are new projects, five are revised, and four involve time extensions.
Key Focus Areas: Health, Infrastructure, and Urban Services
Several major projects were approved under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, including an initiative to expand access to integrated healthcare services for the urban population.
The Ministry of Finance also received approval for a revised Customs Modernization and Infrastructure Development Project, aimed at improving efficiency and institutional capacity.
In the fisheries and livestock sector, a revised national-level disease control project targeting PPR and Foot-and-Mouth Disease was approved to strengthen animal health management.
Urban Development and Local Government Projects
The Local Government Division secured approval for four major initiatives, including:
- Resilient Infrastructure for Adaptation & Vulnerability Reduction (RIVER) Project (1st revision)
- Housing development for sanitation workers under Chattogram City Corporation
- Infrastructure development for Dhaka South City Corporation
- Emergency water supply enhancement for Dhaka city
These projects are expected to improve urban resilience, basic service delivery, and living conditions in major cities.
Transport and Connectivity Expansion
A significant portion of the approved projects falls under the transport and communication sector under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
Five major road and bridge projects were approved, including:
- Construction of climate-resilient bridges in Mymensingh Division
- Border road construction in Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban (Phase-2)
- Upgradation of key regional highways in Barishal and Patuakhali regions
- Construction of Goma Bridge over the Rangamati River
In addition, two railway development projects were approved:
- Maintenance and rehabilitation of railway tracks in the western zone (Phase-1)
- Construction of a broad-gauge railway line from Madhukhali to Magura via Kamarkhali
Broader Development Scope
The meeting was also informed about 33 smaller projects (each below Tk 50 crore) already approved by the Planning Ministry. These projects span multiple sectors, including agriculture, ICT, judiciary infrastructure, energy distribution, river restoration, fisheries, and special economic zones.
High-Level Participation
Senior ministers and officials from multiple ministries, including Finance, Planning, Local Government, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Health, Railways, and Roads Division, attended the meeting.
