United News of Bangladesh

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Sunday approved the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project (BTMIDP), involving an estimated cost of Tk 13,525.57 crore, aimed at facilitating the construction of the Bay Terminal in Chattogram. The approval came from a meeting of Ecnec held at the NEC Conference Room in the city area with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The day’s Ecnec meeting approved a total of 16 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 24,247.24 crore. Ecnec approves Tk 5,452.42 crore school feeding programme to tackle malnutrition Of the total project cost, Tk 3001.34 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 16,719.73 crore as project loan while Tk 4,526.17 crore from the own fund of the organisation concerned. Of the approved 16 projects, 13 are new while 3 are revised ones. Planning Adviser Professor Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters after the meeting. He said that although the Bay Terminal project had been under discussion for a long time, it has finally received approval, and the necessary work will now commence soon. The adviser said considering the growing business operations of the next 15 to 20 years and the geopolitical importance, the necessary facilities at the Chattogram Port has to be increased. The Planning Adviser informed that following separate MoUs signed with the PPP Authority, the Terminal-1 of the Bay Terminal would be constructed by the Enterprise of Singapore while the Terminal-2 will be constructed by the DP World of the UAE. Out of the total project cost of Tk 13,525.57 crore, the World Bank’s Tk 9,333 crore loan support would help Bangladesh invest in infrastructure critical for developing the Bay Terminal deep seaport, which will significantly improve Bangladesh's global trade competitiveness and reduce import and export costs by increasing port operational efficiency and mobilising private investment. The Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project will construct a 6-km climate-resilient breakwater to protect the harbor from the force of waves, current, and extreme weather. It will also carry out dredging of the port basin, entrance, and access channels. The new, modern Bay Terminal, to be operated by leading international terminal operators, will accommodate larger size vessels, such as Panamax vessels, and substantially decrease vessel turnaround time. Ecnec approves 16 projects worth Tk 24,247 crore  Currently, the Chattogram Port, which is the maritime gateway for over 90% of Bangladesh's international trade volume and 98% of its container traffic, can only receive small feeder vessels during limited hours of the day. Besides, the project will mobilise private investment for the development of container terminals. The World Bank investment along with the government funding will bolster investor confidence and contribute to mitigating risks associated with the overall Bay Terminal Development. Besides, the World Bank Group’s private sector arm, the IFC is considering investing in one of the proposed private sector led terminals. The terminal, to be located in the Anandanagar/Sandwip channel, west of the Chittagong port and close to existing road and rail links to Dhaka, is expected to handle 36 percent of Bangladesh’s container volumes. Over one million people, half of whom are women, are expected to directly benefit from improved access to sustainable transport services, including shipping companies, business communities, importers, exporters and freight forwarders. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on June 28, 2024 approved $650 million to help Bangladesh invest in infrastructure critical for developing the Bay Terminal deep seaport, which will significantly improve Bangladesh's global trade competitiveness and reduce import and export costs by increasing port operational efficiency and mobilizing private investment. In FY 23-24, the World Bank committed a record $3.4 billion in support to Bangladesh, including this project. The other projects approved in the meeting are: Multi-sector to deal with the Rohingya crisis on an emergency basis (2nd revised) with an additional cost of Tk 394.19 crore, Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG) with Tk 1,909 crore, Chattogram Metropolitan Sewerage Project (1st Phase) (1st revised) with an additional cost of Tk .01 crore, Livable and Inclusive Cities for All (LICA) Project with Tk 74.60 crore, Chattogram Water Supply Development Project with Tk 3,921.42 crore. The other projects approved in the meeting are: Project for the Improvement of Equipment for Air Pollution Monitoring with Tk 103.35 crore, Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG)-Agricultural System Restoration Component with Tk 260.22 crore, Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG) (BWDB) with around Tk 599.72 crore, Technical Support to Sustainable and Resilient Investment towards Agriculture Sector Transformation Program of Bangladesh with around Tk 53.14 crore, Green Railway Transport Preparatory Technical Assistance with Tk 93.51 crore, Drilling of Two Deep Exploratory Wells at Titas and Bakhrabad Fields with Tk 798 crore, Strengthening of Excavation Capacity of Geological Survey of Bangladesh with Tk 112.78 crore, Strengthening Social Protection for Improved Resilience, Inclusion and Targeting (SSPIRIT) with Tk 904.17 crore, Secondary Education Sector Investment Program (CESIP) (4th Revised) with zero additional cost and Project Preparation Advance (PPA) under Financial Sector Support Project-II (FSSP-II) with Tk 87.10 crore. In this Ecnec meeting, the project for Drilling of two deep exploratory wells at Titas and Bakhrabad Fields were approved for the 1st time during the interim government's tenure through PPS software. Besides, the meeting approved the time extension of two projects. Apart from these, the meeting was about five projects which were approved earlier by the Planning Adviser.  

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Sunday approved 16 projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 24,247 crore.  Ecnec okays 10 projects; Moulvibazar safari park project scrapped Of the total cost, Tk 3,134 crore will be provided by the government while Tk 16,719 crore will come as projects loan and Tk 4,426 crore from the own funds of the departments concerned.  Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus chaired the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC conference room of the Planning Commission. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters after the meeting.  

Although most of the key preparations have been completed, it may still take a few more weeks for the newly constructed 250 km Dhaka–Chattogram underground fuel supply pipeline project to start its commercial operation. “We had planned to begin commercial operation from 1 April, but this had to be postponed due to the incomplete testing of some equipment,” said Engineer Amir Masud, General Manager (Planning and Development) of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), while speaking to UNB. “Now it is most likely that the operation will begin in the final week of April,” he added. BPC undertook the underground pipeline project in 2015 to save time and costs, and to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply to Dhaka from Chattogram. Officials said that once the project becomes fully operational, it will result in the cessation of the current manual fuel transportation system, particularly for diesel, from Chattogram to Dhaka. “This means it will replace the present manual system of transportation via tank lorries with an automated pipeline system,” said a senior BPC official. The new network is expected to save approximately Tk 200 crore annually in transportation costs. In addition, it will enhance energy security, reduce transit time, prevent theft, and lower environmental pollution, he noted. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October 2016 with an initial budget allocation of Tk 2,861.31 crore, and a completion deadline set for 30 June 2020. China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering to operate Bangladesh’s first single point mooring System Padma Oil Company, a subsidiary of BPC, was tasked with implementing the project—titled “Fuel Supply from Chattogram to Dhaka via Pipeline”—and appointed the 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army as the contractor, following some complexities. The budget was later revised to Tk 3,600 crore and the timeline extended multiple times. A trial test run was conducted, with April 1 initially set as the target date for full operation. Since independence, fuel has primarily been transported from Chattogram’s main depot to other regions via waterways and railways. However, this traditional system has become inefficient due to high costs, significant theft, “system losses,” and delays. BPC officials said, initially, the underground pipeline will supply at least 3 million tonnes of petroleum products annually to depots in Borura (Cumilla) and Godhnail–Fatullah (Narayanganj). They added that the pipeline’s capacity could be expanded to 5 million tonnes in future. Sources indicated that Bangladesh’s annual fuel demand averages 7 million tonnes, with over 3 million tonnes consumed in the Dhaka division alone. Repair of Anwara-Foujdarhat Gas pipeline will improve gas supply: Ministry At present, around 200 oil tankers transport fuel from the Guptakhali depot in Patenga to depots in Chandpur, Godhnail, and Fatullah, from where it is distributed via road or rail. To date, 241.28 kilometres of pipeline have been installed, stretching from Guptakhali (Patenga) to Godhnail (Narayanganj), passing through Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj. For safety, the 16-inch diameter pipeline is buried 5 feet underground and protected by a three-layer extruded polyethylene coating. An additional 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter connecting pipeline links Godhnail to Fatullah. The pipeline route crosses 22 rivers and canals and includes nine stations and a new oil depot in Borura (Cumilla). BPC also plans to construct a 59.23-kilometre, 8-inch diameter pipeline from Cumilla to Chandpur to streamline fuel supply to the Chandpur region. BPC sources said they have implemented a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure continuous monitoring and control of the pipeline. Tk 8,300 crore Single Point Mooring with double pipeline failing to utilise full capacity The entire 250-kilometre pipeline will be overseen from a master control station at the Chattogram Dispatch Terminal. Optical fibre cables will enable leak detection and location tracking, BPC officials said.

The interim government has decided to expand and modernise Mongla Port, aiming to enhance its container handling capacity and establish it as a regional hub. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved a Tk 4,068.23 crore project on Sunday for the port’s expansion and modernisation. The Mongla Port Authority, under the Ministry of Shipping, will implement the project by December 2028. Of the total cost, Tk 475.33 crore will come from the government, while the remaining Tk 3,592.90 crore will be financed through a loan from China. Ecnec okays 10 projects; Moulvibazar safari park project scrapped Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised the port’s geopolitical significance and said the government is committed to developing Mongla Port into a regional hub by strengthening its container handling infrastructure. He said that this project has been undertaken after thorough review while China would finance most of the project funding. In response to a question, he said international trade could be expanded further with Bhutan, Nepal and China with the expansion of container handling capacity through implementation of this project. The approval came from the 7th meeting of the Ecnec in this fiscal year and the 6th of the interim government held at the NEC Conference Room with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Ecnec approves five projects worth Tk 5,915.99 crore Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the day’s meeting approved a total of 13 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 12,532.28 crore. “Of the total project cost, Tk 4,097.23 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 7,328.95 crore as loan while the rest of Tk 1,106.10 crore from the concerned organization’s own fund,” he added. Of the approved 13 projects, nine are new while four are revised projects. Replying to a question, Dr Mahmud said that they would review the development budget next week in a bid to finalise the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP).  He said since Bangladesh is graduating from the LDCs, soft-term loans would not be available from the multilateral development partners in the future while there would also be a burden on the state coffee for repaying the principal amount and interests of the foreign loans. He indicated that the government’s loan burden for implementing the mega projects would also increase in the coming days. Burn unit at CMCH, medical university in Khulna get Ecnec nod To address the situation, the Planning Adviser recommended increasing overall revenue collection, emphasising that failure to do so would hinder the efficient management of the country's economy. In this regard, he said, the government is focusing more on Human Resources development. Replying to another question, the Planning Adviser said that taking foreign loans is not bad. “But the most important thing is whether it is invested in the right areas ….like investing in infrastructures which would motivate the private sector to woo more investment and establish export-oriented industries.” The Planning Adviser also informed that the government is putting due emphasis on strengthening further the capacity of BAPEX and the Petrobangla. ECNEC approves Tk 11,560cr rail-road bridge over Karnaphuli to boost Ctg-Cox’s Bazar connectivity The other projects approved in the meeting are: Uttar Kattali Catchment Sanitation in Chattogram Metropolis with Tk 2,797.22 crore, Improved seed production and development of rice, wheat and corn, 3rd phase with Tk 474.68 crore, Modernization and development (2nd phase) of seed production, processing and distribution management of BADC with Tk 292.86 crore, Food Safety Testing Capacity Development with Tk 2,409.70 crore, Digging some four evaluation-cum-development wells of Titas and Kamta Fields with Tk 1,255 crore, conducting 3-D Seismic Survey at Habiganj, Bakhrabad and Meghna Fields with Tk 454.25 crore, Digging Sylhet-12 number well (oil well) with Tk 255.25 crore, Ghorashal 4th unit re-powering, 3rd revised, with an additional cost of Tk 96.08 crore, Development of power distribution system of Chattogram Zone, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 164.15 crore, Strengthened Service Delivery systems for Improved Migration Management and Sustainable Reintegration with Tk 60.10 crore, Establishment and infrastructural development of government primary schools at Dhaka metropolis and Purbachal, 1at revised, with an additional cost of Tk 213.62 crore, and Establishment of digital labs at educational institutions, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with a reduced cost of Tk 8.86 crore.

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.