ECNEC approves four projects worth Tk 1,222.14 crore

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved four development projects with a total estimated cost of Tk 1,222.14 crore.

This approval came during the second ECNEC meeting of the fiscal year FY25, and the first under the interim government following the student-led uprising in July-August, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Briefing reporters at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Planning and Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud explained that out of the total cost of Tk 1,222.14 crore, Tk 963.82 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh, Tk 100.16 crore as project assistance, and the remaining Tk 158.16 crore from the respective organisations' own funds.

The two newly approved projects are the "Two Appraisal Cum Development Wells (Sundalpur-4 & Srikail-5) and Two Exploratory Wells (Sundalpur South-1 & Jamalur-1)" at a cost of Tk 588.40 crore, and the "Sustainable Social Services Delivery in Chattogram Hill Tracts (2nd Phase)" project at a cost of Tk 400 crore.

Additionally, two revised projects were approved: the "Bakhrabad-Meghnaghat-Haripur Gas Transmission Pipeline (1st revised)" with an additional cost of Tk 70.63 crore, and the "Tottho Apa: Empowering Women Through ICT Towards Digital Bangladesh (2nd phase, 2nd revised)" with an additional cost of Tk 163.11 crore, alongside a reduced project timeline.

Dr Mahmud also mentioned that the title of the Tottho Apa project would be changed.

The meeting was attended by relevant advisers and secretaries.

The last ECNEC meeting was held on July 2 under the previous Awami League government at the Planning Commission.