The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved five development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 7,003.36 crore.

Of the total project cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from the government’s own funds, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will be financed through project loans.

Pre-budget ECNEC meeting discusses development projects, proposals

The approval came at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Among the approved projects, three are new and two are revised.

The approved projects include the “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone” under the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Ministry of Water Resources secured approval for three projects: rehabilitation (first phase) of Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni district; Karatoa River System Development Project; and project(first revised) for protecting Talbaria area in Mirpur upazila and Komarkandi area in Shilaidaha Union of Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River.

The fifth project, titled “Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas (Third Revised)” under the Ministry of Education was also approved .

The meeting was also informed about four projects costing less than Tk 50 crore each that had already been approved by the Planning Minister under delegated authority.

These projects are: construction of an airmen’s barrack complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar; establishment of Navy School and College, Savar; construction of physical infrastructure to improve educational standards and teaching capacity at the existing BAF Shaheen College in Bangladesh Air Force Station Shamshernagar; and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-based pre-primary and Tripitaka education programme.

Officials said the approved projects are expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve flood control and river management, expand technical education facilities and support industrial investment in the country.