The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved five major development projects worth Tk 7,003.36 crore, paving the way for significant investments in industrial infrastructure, flood control, river management and technical education across Bangladesh.
The approvals came at an ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman.
Of the total project cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will be financed from the government's own resources, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will be secured through project loans.
The latest approvals underscore the government's push to accelerate economic growth, strengthen climate resilience and expand skills-based education as the country seeks to attract investment and modernise critical infrastructure.
Among the flagship projects approved was the Supporting Infrastructure Project for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, a strategic initiative under the Prime Minister's Office aimed at boosting industrialisation, foreign investment and export-oriented manufacturing.
Water resource management received a major boost with ECNEC approving three significant projects under the Ministry of Water Resources. These include the rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni, the ambitious Karatoya River System Development Project, and a revised scheme to protect vulnerable areas of Kushtia from the devastating erosion of the Padma River.
The committee also approved the third revised phase of the project to establish one Technical School and College in each of 100 upazilas, a key initiative designed to expand technical and vocational education and create a more skilled workforce for the future economy.
Officials said the projects are expected to generate long-term benefits through enhanced infrastructure, improved disaster protection, stronger water management systems and expanded educational opportunities.
Apart from the five major projects, ECNEC was informed about four additional schemes, each costing less than Tk 50 crore, which had already received approval from the Planning Minister.
These include the construction of an Airmen Barrack Complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox's Bazar, establishment of Navy School and College in Savar, infrastructure development at BAF Shaheen College in Air Force Station Shamshernagar, and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-Based Pre-Primary and Cripitak Education Programme.
The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Industries, Textiles and Jute and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki and other senior government officials.
