Aiming to bring discipline in the health sector, the government has taken a move to rationalise the budget allocation for  development projects in the coming days. According to the planning ministry sources, decision has been taken to improve the medical services across the country through appointing skilled manpower for running the existing machineries and give priority for budget allocation to prepare skilled manpower for the these machineries. “There is huge indiscipline in the health sector, if we want to increase allocation we have to put it on a proper way,” Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud told a recent briefing at ECNEC. According to the adviser, there are many expensive machines in many district level health centres, but these are not in service. “If we want to spend, then we have to see whether there is any skilled health workers or technicians,” he told. He also mentioned that giving allocation and the purpose of allocation is different thing. The sources in planning ministry and health ministry said during the Awami League regime the budget allocation for the health sector was good, but not up to the mark. But due to the irregularities and corruption mass people failed to get proper services from the public hospitals, he said. The National Economic Council (NEC)  approved the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year of 2024-2025 with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores. The total allocation against the top 10 sectors is some Tk 242,093 crore (90.25pc of the total ADP). According to the new ADP for FY25, the highest 10 allocation recipient ministries and divisions are Local Government Division with some Tk 38,809 crore (15pc of allocation), Road Transport and Highways Division with Tk 32,042 crore (12.39pc), Power Division with Tk 29,177 crore (11.28pc), Primary and Mass Education Ministry with Tk 16,136 crore (6.24pc), Health Services Division with Tk 13,741 crore (5.31pc ), Railways Ministry with Tk 13,726 crore (5.31pc), Science and Technology Ministry with Tk 12,887 crore (4.98pc), Secondary and Higher Education Division with Tk 11,388 crore (4.40pc), Shipping Ministry with Tk 10,373 crore (4.01pc) and Water Resources Ministry with Tk 8, 687 crore (3.36pc). The total allocation against the 10 ministries or divisions is around Tk 186,965 crore, which is some 72 percent of the overall ADP outlay. Read: Govt forms reform commissions on labour, health sector But the healthcare sector in Bangladesh remains in a precarious state, plagued by systemic challenges that hinder the delivery of quality medical services to its citizens. Despite notable economic growth and advancements in other areas, the country’s health system continues to grapple with inadequacies in infrastructure, staffing, and resource allocation, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases and inadequate care. One of the most pressing issues is the severe shortage of healthcare facilities and professionals. According to recent statistics, there is only one doctor for every 1,800 people in Bangladesh, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 1,000 individuals. This scarcity is compounded by an uneven distribution of healthcare services, with rural areas bearing the brunt of neglect. While urban centers have access to better-equipped hospitals, rural clinics often lack basic amenities, trained staff, and essential medicines. The lack of funding in the public health sector exacerbates the crisis. Bangladesh allocates less than 1% of its GDP to healthcare, one of the lowest in the world. This chronic underfunding has led to dilapidated facilities, outdated medical equipment, and insufficient resources to meet growing demands. Patients are frequently forced to turn to private healthcare, which is prohibitively expensive for the majority of the population, pushing many into financial distress. Moreover, corruption and mismanagement within the healthcare system undermine efforts to improve service delivery. Reports of embezzlement of funds and irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies are not uncommon, further eroding public trust in the system. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the healthcare infrastructure, revealing critical gaps in emergency response mechanisms, testing facilities, and intensive care units. While the government has made efforts to address these shortcomings, progress remains slow, and systemic issues persist.  Read more: Health sector sees a little uplift in the new budget proposals To address these challenges, health sector insiders said that comprehensive reform is urgently needed. This includes increasing healthcare funding, improving training programs for medical professionals, and prioritizing equitable access to quality services. Additionally, stronger governance and accountability measures must be implemented to curb corruption and ensure resources reach those who need them most. “Without decisive action, the health sector’s current state will continue to impede the country’s development and compromise the well-being of its people. A robust and equitable healthcare system is not just a necessity—it is a fundamental right that must be upheld for all citizens,” said a physician who works for a district level hospital.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Monday approved 10 projects involving Tk 1,974.30 crore. Of this, Tk 1,642.98 crore will come from government fund and Tk 3,31.32 crore from organisations’ own fund. The approval was given at the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the Planning Commission with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Ecnec approves five projects worth Tk 5,915.99 crore Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Moulvibazar (Phase 1) project was also cancelled in the meeting. Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters after the Ecnec meeting. The approved projects are: “Construction of River Ports in Chilmari Area (Ramna, Jorgach, Rajibpur, Roumari, Nayarhat) (1st Revised)”, “Ashuganj-Palash Sabuj” project, “Expansion of Sustainable Agricultural Technology in Comilla Region” project, “Cutting of Economically Lost Rubber Trees, Re-Gardening and Modernization of Rubber Processing” project, “Procurement and Installation of 60 MMSCFD Capacity Process Plant for Bhola North Gas Field”, “Drilling of Rashidpur-11 Well (Exploration Well)” Project, “2D Seismic Survey over Exploration Block 7 and 9” Project; “Establishment of 60 Day Care Centers of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs” Project “Rehabilitation and Quality Improvement of Level Crossing Gates of Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railway (4th Revised)” Project and “Rehabilitation and Quality Improvement of Level Crossing Gates of Western Zone of Bangladesh Railway (3rd Revised)” Project. In first ECNEC meeting, Interim Government suspends Five-Year Plan Besides, the members of Ecnec were informed about six projects approved by Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud.  

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has said that many project directors have resigned or vanished following the change in government. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday after an ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Auditorium, Dr. Wahiduddin linked the sudden departures to potential mismanagement and embezzlement of state resources. “They left after the change in government. Surely, they were involved in massive corruption, and for that reason, they fled,” the adviser remarked, adding urgency to the interim administration's efforts to regain control of ongoing projects. Planning Adviser apprehends economic recession amid stagnant investment, development spending The ECNEC meeting was chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Wahiduddin cited a glaring example: the director of the Matarbari Project, who disappeared after allegedly selling off government property. For ongoing projects, the interim government has no choice but to appoint new directors; this process requires extra time, delaying progress, he explained. The Planning Adviser emphasized that many of these resignations were rooted in personal corruption. Responding to reporters’ questions, he said, “These project directors fled due to their own misdeeds. There is no other connection.” The interim government is scrutinizing new appointments to prevent a recurrence of such issues. Dr. Wahiduddin expressed confidence that newly appointed project directors would act responsibly, even under future governments. “We are appointing project directors after careful vetting. I believe our appointees will not flee in the next elected government’s term,” he said. The adviser revealed that the government is resizing the development budget to align with current priorities. Projects initiated by the previous Awami League government have come under scrutiny, with several being scrapped due to alleged political motivations. “Many of those projects were politically driven, and we did not believe they would yield positive results,” he said, defending the interim government’s decision to axe them. He also stressed that corruption-free implementation requires ministries to take full accountability for projects until their completion. Dr. Wahiduddin noted that some ministries are yet to achieve a stable footing. “As a result, preparing new projects has not started,” he observed.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Monday approved five projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 5,915.99 crore. Among the approved projects, one is aimed at improving the sewerage system in Chattogram (Catchments 2 and 4) with an allocation of around Tk 5,152.55 crore. The approvals were given at an Ecnec meeting chaired by its chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The meeting was held at the NEC Conference Room. Of the total cost for the five projects, Tk 1,095.94 crore will be provided by the government, Tk 4,787.50 crore will come as project assistance, and the remaining Tk 32.55 crore will be financed by the concerned organisation’s own funds. Out of the five approved projects, two are new, while three are revised projects. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the time has come to make policy adjustments in project implementation. He said that since assuming office, the interim government has focused on eliminating corruption and irregularities in development projects. The next phase, however, will prioritise the speedy implementation of these schemes. The adviser added that by the end of the current fiscal year, sectors such as education might see proportionately higher allocations, particularly in areas such as educational equipment, scientific tools, and research materials. Dr Mahmud also expressed optimism that if stability is restored in the economy, private sector entrepreneurs would step forward in greater numbers, which could significantly boost economic growth. The other projects approved in the meeting are: * Extension and Strengthening of Network of Eastern Region Grid (1st Revised): Additional cost of Tk 459.95 crore. * Capacity Building of Universities in Bangladesh to Promote Youth Entrepreneurs: Tk 93.50 crore. * Modern Waste and Released Oil Removal Management of Mongla Port (1st Revised): Additional cost of Tk 110.15 crore. * Emergency Multi-sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (2nd Revised): Additional cost of Tk 99.84 crore.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a significant infrastructure project today: the construction of a Tk 11,560.77 crore rail-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River. The bridge in the Kalurghat area will facilitate uninterrupted transport between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, enhancing both vehicular and rail connectivity in the region. The project was approved during the 3rd ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY25), chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus at his office in Dhaka. It was one of four projects cleared in the meeting, which collectively have an estimated cost of Tk 24,412.94 crore. A Much-Needed Replacement for the Aging Kalurghat Bridge Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, who briefed reporters after the meeting, highlighted the necessity of replacing the old Kalurghat Bridge. The current bridge is in poor condition, limiting train speeds to just 10 kilometers per hour. This new bridge will not only improve local connectivity but also play a crucial role in advancing Cox’s Bazar as a premier tourist destination, he said. Dr. Wahiduddin also emphasized that the new bridge would support the growing importance of the Matarbari coal-based power plant and the surrounding economic zone. The project’s completion is targeted for December 2030. Out of the total cost of Tk 11,560.77 crore, Tk 4,435.62 crore will be funded by the government of Bangladesh, while the remaining Tk 7,125.15 crore will be sourced from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Economic Development Promotion Facility (EDPF) of Korea. Key Infrastructure to Support Regional Growth Ministry of Railways officials noted that the new bridge would enhance trade and commerce by creating an efficient link with the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail line, which is part of a broader plan to connect Bangladesh to the Trans-Asian Railway network, linking with China, India, and Myanmar. The project will include the construction of a 700-meter bridge, a 6.20-kilometer viaduct, a 2.40-kilometer road viaduct, 4.54 kilometers of embankments, and the installation of 11.44 kilometers of rail track. The new bridge will also benefit industries located in Chattogram, which handles 70 percent of the country’s imports and exports. Improved transport links will facilitate the movement of goods to and from Chattogram Port, as well as support the region’s export processing zones and special economic zones. Other Projects Receive Approval In addition to the rail-road bridge, ECNEC also approved the second revision of the Matarbari Port Development Project, with an increased cost of Tk 6,573.96 crore. Other approved projects include the second revision of the SASEC Road Connectivity Project-2 (Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway Four Lane Upgradation) with an additional Tk 376.99 crore, and the Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project (REUTDP), valued at Tk 5,901.22 crore.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) put emphasis on the rural development along with building infrastructure. “I think besides the infrastructural development we also need the overall development of the rural areas,” she told the ECNEC meeting at NEC conference room in Agargaon. She asked authorities concerned to quickly finish the development projects which are being delayed due to allocation of small funds. “I will ask the cabinet secretary to convey this to all secretaries in different ministries so such projects are completed quickly,” she said. Read: Ecnec nods 44 projects worth Tk 39,094 crore She said with the finishing these projects it would be easy for the government to take up new development programmes. She also said that deadline of some development projects have been increased, but hose also have to be completed very soon. “Because, if that remains unfinished costs of the projects will increase unnecessarily and it also kills time. Make sure that this is done,” she said. Hasina said that for the socioeconomic development of the country the government must take development projects. In this regard, she asked all to remain cautious while taking any kind of development projects so that the government could attain its goal. Read: Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore She mentioned that due to global condition the countryis having some pressure on economy. Otherwise the country was moving fast towards prosperity. “The growth was increasing, development was expediting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world came to a standstill, and when the whole world started to move from that situation, it was hit by the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions, counter-sanctions,” she said. She also mentioned that the world is bracing for another phase of instability after Israeli troops launched heinous attacks on the innocent people in Palestine. “As a result, the cost and time of transportation has increased manifold," she said. She said that due to these external factors the pressure is on in Bangladesh. Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres The prime minister said she has requested all to utilise every inch of arable land of the country for production of food grains. “And it has given us better results,” she said.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Thursday approved a large number of 44 projects involving an estimated cost of some Tk 39,094 crore. The approval came from the Ecnec meeting presided over by Prime Minister and Ecnec Chairperson Sheikh Hasina at the NEC conference room in the city’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar area. “A total of 45 projects were placed in the meeting. But 44 schemes have been approved and the rest one has been sent back,” Planning Minister MA Mannan told reporters. Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore Among the overall cost of Tk 39,094.33 crore, some Tk 29,953.44 crore will come from the national exchequer, while Tk 7,579.73 crore from the foreign sources and Tk 1,561.16 crore from the own funds of the concerned organisations. In terms of the cost, the largest three new projects are ‘Land Acquisition and Utility Transfer for Upgrading Bhanga-Jessore-Benapole Highway into Four-Lane’ project involving an estimated cost of Tk 6,140.19 crore; ‘Extended Dhaka Water Supply Resilience’ Project with Tk 4040 crore; and ‘Jashore Export Processing Zone area’ project with Tk 1,642.73 crore. Ecnec clears projects to establish Chattogram Medical University, procure 340 CNG buses for BRTC The other largest projects include ‘Construction of Town and Union Land Offices across the country (Phase-II)’ project with Tk 1,595.62 crore; ‘Integrated infrastructural development of Sylhet City Corporation including extended areas’ project with Tk 1,459.74 crore; ‘Upgrading the connecting roads of Lakshmipur, Noakhali and Feni districts with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar into due standard and width’ project with Tk 1,404.46 crore; ‘Construction of gas, power and communications infrastructures for Moheshkhali Economic Zone-3 (Dholghata)’ with Tk 1,195.32 crore; and ‘Improvement of Urban Public Health Preventive Services’ Project with Tk 1,181.50 crore. During the meeting, the PM asked the authorities concerned to gradually come out from the trend of providing subsidies on different sectors particularly electricity and water in a bid to reduce burden on the state coffer. Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres "We'll have to come out from the practice of subsidies in phases. Utilities like electricity and water are universal and are used by all. All from a minister to a cleaner equally enjoy the benefits of such subsidies," Mannan quoted the PM as saying. The premier suggested fixing area-wise and income-wise charges for electricity and water services.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a total of 12 development projects including a revised one to raise the cost of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Construction by Tk 2412.13 crore and extend the timeframe till June 2024. The overall estimated cost of the 12 projects is Tk 19,598.84 crore. Only additional costs of four revised projects were counted here. The approval came from the Ecnec meeting chaired by its chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC conference room in the city’s Sher-e Banglanagar area. “A total of 15 projects were placed before today's meeting. Of them, 12 projects got approval and two were deferred. And the rest one got time extension only,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters. Of the 12 approved projects, eight are new and the rest four are revised ones. Among the total estimated cost, Tk 13,203.66 crore will come from the foreign sources as project assistance, while Tk 6,260.72 crore from the GoB fund and the rest Tk 134.46 crore from the fund of an organisation concerned, said the Planning Secretary Satyajit Karmaker. Regarding  the reasons behind the rise of cost of Padma Multipurpose Bridge Construction Project, member of Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian said the VAT rate has risen to 15 percent now from 10 percent as well as the prices of construction materials for river trainings and the price of dollar went up. As per the project factsheet, the main work of Padma Bridge project has already been completed. But now the revision of the project is required to complete the remaining ancillary works and the payment of contractors’ dues. So, the project can be approved under this consideration, he said. In terms of cost, the largest three new projects approved in the Ecnec meeting are “Programme on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh Project,” involving an estimated cost of Tk 6,910.94 crore;  “Bangladesh Road Safety Project” with Tk 4,988.14 crore; and “Collection of 2 Crude Oil Mother Tankers and 2 Mother Bulk Carrier Ships on the basis of G2G Project” with Tk 2,620.77 crore. The agricultural (PARTNER) project will be implemented in all the unions of 495 upazilas of the country’s 64 districts by June 2028, mainly for transformation of the traditional agricultural system into commercial agriculture and diversification in the food grains production. Other major objectives of the project are development of agricultural entrepreneurs for the export of agricultural products and expansion of climate resilient agro-food value-chains. Also Read: Tk 4323-crore project to improve disaster preparedness, 7 others get Ecnec nod The Bangladesh Road Safety project will be implemented in all the upazilas of the country by June 2028 in a bid to reduce road accidents and damages as well as enhance the capacity of government agencies concerned for ensuring road safety. The other new projects are “Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education Project (ICSETEP)” involving Tk 1,219.80 crore; "Project for Protection of Charkaua, Chandmari, Jagua, Lamchari and Charmonai Areas in Sadar Upazila of Barisal District from Kirtankhola River Erosion (Phase-1) with Tk 512.92 crore; “Establishment of Institute of Nanotechnology (in Savar) Project” with Tk 380.78 crore;  ‘’Building Climate Resilient Livelihoods in the Vulnerable Landscapes in Bangladesh (BCRL) Project” with Tk 76.06 crore; and “Safer Cyberspace for Digital Bangladesh: Enhancing National & Regional Digital Investigation Capability of Bangladesh Police Project” with Tk 59.08 crore. The three other revised projects are “Construction of Dhaka-Narayanganj dual gauge railway line in parallel to the existing meter gauge railway line (1st revised) Project” with additional cost of Tk 279.69 crore (now cost is Tk 658.35 crore); “Reconstruction of Mymensingh Central Jail (1st revised) Project” with extra cost of Tk 112.54 crore (now the total cost increased to Tk 240.15 crore); and “Reinstallation and Improvement of Level Crossing Gates of the Eastern Region of Bangladesh Railway (3rd revised) Project” with additional cost of Tk 25.99 crore ( now cost is Tk 130.50 crore). In the Ecnec meeting, the Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure the facilities in the country’s jails to run the virtual court. She made this directive during the discussion about the first revision of Reconstruction of Mymensingh Central Jail Project.  

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved a total of 11 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 4,252.66 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 3,645.21 crore will come from the government fund while the rest of Taka 607.45 crore as project assistance. The approval came at the weekly ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters after the ECNEC meeting said that of the approved 11 projects, six are new while five are revised projects. The approved projects are: Establishment of cancer centre at Dhaka CMH (2nd phase) with Tk 246 crore, Establishment of 10 secondary schools adjacent to Dhaka, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 76.94 crore, Secondary education sector investment Programme, 3rd revised, without any additional cost. Read more: Ecnec nods 6 projects worth Tk 7,018 crore The other projects are— construction of Swadhinata Tower at Suhrawardy Uddyan in Dhaka, 3rd phase, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 131.91 crore, nutrition development through production of fruits round the year, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 211.32 crore and flood reconstruction emergency assistance project with Tk 300 crore. The rest of the projects are— infrastructural development of Jamalpur district with Tk 1,125 crore, WASH Sector Strengthening and Sanitation Market System (SanMarks) Development Project in Bangladesh with Tk 156.25 crore, climate resilient sustainable water supply, sanitation,  and hygiene project in Bangladesh with Tk 274.48 crore, Dredging at inner bar at Mongla Port channel, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 198.54 crore and road widening and development on Bhulta-Araihazar-Bancharampur-Nabinagar-Shibpur-Radhika regional highway with Tk 1,532.22 crore.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (February 19, 2023) inaugurated the Mirpur-Kalshi flyover to vehicular movement. The flyover has been constructed to ease commute in Mirpur, Mirpur DOHS, Pallabi, Kalshi, Mahakhali, Banani, Uttara and Dhaka airport. The prime minister opened the flyover to traffic from a function at Kalshi intersection, adjoining Balur Math, in Dhaka. The 2,335m long flyover has been built under the Road Widening and Development Project from ECB Square to Mirpur and the Construction of Flyover on Kalshi Circle Project, which got ECNEC approval on January 9, 2018. Read more: Want peace, but ready to resist external attack: PM Hasina Under the project, 3.70km stretch of road from the ECB square to Kalshi was also widened. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the Bangladesh Army (24 Engineer Construction Brigade) implemented the project at a cost of around Tk 1,012 crore. According to the project details, the flyover looks like the English alphabet ‘Y’. The previously four-lane roads have been widened to six lanes to ease commute. Read More: Remove posters, writings from Dhaka’s flyovers in 2 weeks: HC The main four-lane flyover runs from ECB square towards Kalshi and Mirpur DOHS, while a two-lane ramp descends from Kalshi intersection to Kalshi Road. The project also includes extension of a PC girder bridge, construction of two foot bridges, a public toilet, two police boxes, a 7.40 km RCC drain and saucer drain, a 1755m RCC pipe drain, retaining wall, 3383m communication duct, 8 lakh-linear metre sand compaction pile, separate cycle lane, and six bus bays. On her arrival at the venue, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Dhaka-16 MP Md Elias Uddin Mollah, and Local Government Division Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim welcomed her. Read More: Flyovers to be constructed in haor region, not roads: Planning Minister.