Ecnec
Ecnec approves Tk 7,189cr Cumilla-Brahmanbaria 4-lane highway project
Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday cleared six development projects, including the Tk 7,189 crore project to upgrade Cumilla-Brahmanbaria National Highway to four lanes.
The highway from Mainamati of Cumilla to Dharkhar of Brahmanbaria will be upgraded into a four-lane one, with separate lanes for slow vehicles on both sides, by June 2026. The project aims to establish fast, safe and cost-effective road connectivity between Sylhet and Chattogram regions.
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting presided over by its chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who joined the event through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Also read: Ecnec postpones Tk 236-crore project of Teletalk to save dollars
“The total estimated cost of the six approved projects is some Tk 8,739.68 crore (only additional costs of three revised projects were included),” Planning Minister MA Mannan said at a press briefing after the meeting was held at the NEC Conference Room.
Of the total cost, Tk 5,929.03 crore will be drawn from the government’s fund, while the rest Tk 2,810.65 crore will come as foreign loan, he said.
According to the Planning Commission, the project titled ‘Upgrading Cumilla (Mainamati)-Brahmanbaria (Dharkhar) National Highway into Four Lanes’ will be executed at the cost of Tk 7,188.66 crore.
Also read: Metro Rail (MRT Line-6) project cost goes up by Tk 11,486 cr; Gets Ecnec nod
The government will finance Tk 4,378 crore and the rest Tk 2,810.65 crore will come from the Indian Line of Credit (LoC).
The major project operations are acquisition of 103 hectares of lands, construction of 14 bridges (with total length of 1,218.44 meters), one 1,030-meter flyover, two underpasses, 50 culverts, 12 foot-over bridges, 50-km flexible pavement and 4.5-km rigid pavement.
PM Hasina: Govt devising ways to bring down prices of essentials
The government is contemplating ways to bringing down the prices of essential commodities that have gone beyond the reach of commoners following the fuel oil price hike.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this on Tuesday while speaking at the regular meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) at NEC, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
“I think that it is important now to bring down the prices of the essentials at a tolerable level and within the purchasing power of the common people,” she said.
She mentioned about the government’s move to sell rice among 50 lakh families at the rate of Tk 15 per kg.
“We will provide special family cards to one crore people by which they will be able to procure essential commodities at fair price, we are taking the steps,” she said.
Hasina said that she thinks that the government has to take some more steps to save the low-and-middle income groups from sufferings due to the recent price hike.
She again said that she is aware that due to the fuel oil price hike the prices of essential commodities have increased.
“People are suffering, lower-income group, middle-income group and fixed income group are facing severe hurdles. We can realise that,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that she does her politics for the people and whenever people suffer, she also feels the pain.
The prime minister reiterated her call to increase the domestic production to lessen the dependency on imports.
She said that Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter-sanctions resulted in soaring prices of various items in the global market.
“We had the ability to purchase, but the prices went up even beyond the reach of our purchasing capacity,” she said.
She mentioned that such uncertainty coupled with various conspiracies had always struck Bangladesh whenever it started moving forward and improve the living standards of the people.
The PM said that prices of fuel shot up alarmingly and her government has been providing subsidy to make it affordable.
“We tried to reduce the expenditure through austerity, but the demand of the fuel oil was the same. That means the fuel oil were being smuggled out,” she said.
She said that it is very much normal in the world to adjust the fuel prices comparing with the neighbouring countries to prevent smuggling.
“We also took that initiative and we have to increase the fuel oil price,” she said.
Hasina asked the ministers and public servants to consider ways on how to minimise the pains of people due to price spiral.
“I will sit very soon to find out the ways for the mass people,” she said.
The premier said that the government wants to buy fuel oil, fertiliser and wheat from Russia.
Read: PM Hasina acknowledges public sufferings from fuel price hike, power cuts
Ecnec postpones Tk 236-crore project of Teletalk to save dollars
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday suspended a Tk 236-crore project of Teletalk on commercial introduction of 5-G services in the capital as a part of the government's austerity measures amid the global crisis.
But the Ecnec approved seven other development projects with the estimated cost of Tk 2,007.57 crore (only additional costs of the three revised projects were counted here).
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC conference room. Prime Minister and Ecnec chair Sheikh Hasina joining it through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Also read: PM: BNP plundered national resources during its rule
"Today's meeting approved seven projects, but postponed a fresh project of Teletalk," said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters.
He said the Teletalk project was postponed as it would cost dollars from the country's reserve of foreign currencies but it is so much essential right now.
The minister said the project was not cancelled. It will be implemented later, he added.
The new project titled " Commercial Introduction of 5-G technology in the Teletalk Network in Dhaka Metropolitan area" involving Tk 236.54 crore was designed to implement by December 2023.
The main objectives of the project include to introduce 5-G technology commercially, to raise interest among the people over 5-G technology, and encourage other mobile phone operators to introduce 5-G services.
The largest project among four fresh ones approved in the meeting is "Land Acquisition, providing compensation to the victims and their rehabilitation in order to establish the divisional headquarters for Mymensigh Division Project" with the cost of Tk 1,224.81 crore.
Also read: PM urges the youth to acquire skills to become entrepreneurs
Three other new projects are "Strengthening research activities of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA)" with the estimated cost of Tk 164.01 crore; "Procurement of Equipment and Machineries from Belarus for Selected Municipalities and City Corporations" with Tk 150.62 crore; and "Extension and Modernisation of Dhaka Central Drug Addiction Treatment Centre" with Tk 162.34 crore.
The three revised projects are Rehabilitation of 67A, 67, 67B and 68 polders along the Naf River in Ukhia and Teknaf Upazilas to improve the border security on Bangladesh- Myanmar Border (first revised) project" with additional cost of Tk 227.02 crore (Now the cost raised to Tk 368.67 crore); Uttara Lake Development (1st revised) Project with additional cost of Tk 53.41 crore (now cost is Tk 90.74); and Jail Training Centre, Rajshahi (1st revised) project with additional cost of Tk 25.36 crore (now cost is Tk 98.78.crore).
Metro Rail (MRT Line-6) project cost goes up by Tk 11,486 cr; Gets Ecnec nod
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved the 2nd revision of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development (Line-6) project with an additional cost of Tk 11,486.92 crore.
With the latest revision, the length of the metro rail (Line-6) will increase by 1.16 km while the total cost will reach Tk 33,471.99 crore.
The approval came from the 1st Ecnec meeting in the current fiscal year with Ecnec chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
She joined the meeting virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban while Ministers, State Ministers, Planning Commission members and Secretaries concerned attended the meeting from the NEC conference room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
Read: PM reiterates call to practice austerity in all spheres of life
Planning Minister MA Mannan briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said that a total of 8 projects were approved today involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 15,856.80 crore.
Of the approved eight projects, four are new while four others are revised ones.
Of the total project cost, Tk 12,444.25 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh, Tk 134.57 crore from the concerned organization's own fund while the rest of Tk 3,277.98 crore as project assistance.
As per the 2nd revision of the metro rail project, there will be civil works, rolling stocks modification, E & M system and station plaza construction from Motijheel to Kamalapur Line.
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam said that the Ecnec meeting discussed the launching of the much- hyped metro rail (Line-6) likely on December 16 this year with an aim to ease the traffic congestion in the capital.
Read: Bangladesh saw 7.56 pc inflation in June, highest in 8 yrs
Initially, he said, the metro rail will operate from Uttara to Agargaon as the work on the 11.73 km Diabari-Agargaon portion is nearing completion.
The other projects approved in the meeting are upgrading Hathazari to Raozan portion of Chattogram-Rangamati national highway into four-lane with Tk 104.69 crore, upgrading Itakhola-Mothkhola-Katiadi Road and Noyapara-Araihazar-Narsingdi-Raipura regional highway with Tk 984.85 crore, Construction of Pipeline from Dhonua to Mymensingh for ensuring gas supply to Mymensingh Combined Cycle Power Plant with Tk 553.16 crore.
The remaining projects approved in the meeting are Population-based uterine and breast cancer screening Programme (EPCBCSP) including electronic data tracking, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 129.67 crore, Protecting Khagrachhari town and adjacent infrastructures from river erosion with Tk 586.01 crore, Upazila Governance and Development Project( 2nd revised) with an additional cost of Tk 211.50 crore and Greater Dinajpur rural infrastructures development project with Tk 1,800 crore.
Ecnec clears a Tk 1092-cr project to widen Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved 10 development projects with the total estimated cost of Tk 2,217 crore, the planning minister said.
Among the projects is the Tk 1092-crore Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive aimed at developing tourism industry in the region along the Bay of Bengal.
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC Conference Room. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the chairperson of Ecnec, presided over the meeting through video link from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Read:Ecnec clears Tk 6,179 cr project to enhance electricity network in Dhaka, Mymensingh
“Today the meeting approved 10 projects and the total cost of the projects is Tk 2,216.75 crore,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan at a press briefing.
Of the cost, the government will finance Tk 1,875.57 crore and the rest Tk 341.18 crore will come from foreign sources, he said adding that the 10 projects also included four revised ones.
Talking about the premier’s directives given in the meeting, Mannan said she asked to construct elevated roads, bridges or culverts instead of reconstructing the flood-affected roads at the points where these were damaged or cut to flush out flood water in Sylhet region.
The PM emphasized on construction of bridges and culverts instead of roads in Haor and flood-prone areas to prevent the water stagnation.
Special projects will be undertaken for rehabilitation of the flood victims of the Sylhet region, said Mannan.
The PM, he said, also asked the authorities concerned to find out the places where the construction of underpass and overpass is needed.
According to the project factsheet, Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive Road Widening (1.60th KM-32th KM) Project will be implemented at the cost of Tk 1092.35 crore from July 2022 to June 2025.
Read: Ecnec clears 9 projects involving Tk 2,665 crore
The main objectives of the road project are to establish a safe communication system, develop the tourism industry and improve the socio-economic condition of the local people through widening some 30 kilometers of the marine drive road and construction of a two-lane 305-meter bridge over Reju Khal.
The major project operations include acquisition of some 113.25 acres of lands, 7.24 lakh cubic meter of earth-filing, installation of 608 CCTV cameras and straightening 0.32 km flexible pavement bend.
The five fresh projects are Sustainable Agriculture Extension in Jashore Region with Tk 171.33 crore; Expansion of Advanced Varieties and Technology of Spices with Tk 119.50 crore; A Railway Overpass Construction at Railbazar located at 81th KM of Kushtia (Trimohoni)-Meherpur-Chuadanga-Jhenaidah Regional Highway Project with Tk 75 crore; Construction of PC Girder Bridges and RCC Box Culverts in places of Dilapidated, Narrow Bailey Bridges on the Pirojpur part of Chakhali-Tushkhali-Mathbaria-Patharghata Highway Project with Tk 332.91 crore; Extension of Physical Infrastructural Facilities of MES (Military Engineering Services) in Dhaka Cantonment Project with Tk 98.50 crore;
A Railway Overpass Construction at Gatepar area in Jamalpur Town (1st revised) Project with additional cost of Tk 132 crore (raising the cost to Tk 423.70 crore); Chief Judicial Magistrate Court Bhaban Construction at 64 District Headquarters of Bangladesh-1st Phase (3rd revised) Project with the cost of Tk 204 crore less than the previous estimated cost of Tk 2464.60 crore; Emergency Assistance in Water Supply and Sanitation in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas of Cox's Bazar district (1st revised) with the additional cost of Tk 307 crore (raising the cost to 892 crore) and Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Road (N-1) Development (2nd revised) Project with the extra cost of Tk 92 crore (raising the cost to Tk 590.28 crore).
Ecnec clears Tk 6,179 cr project to enhance electricity network in Dhaka, Mymensingh
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a project involving Tk 6,179 crore to enhance the electricity network in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions.
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC conference room. Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined it through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.
The meeting approved six fresh projects and four revised ones.
Read: Hi-Tech Park to turn Khulna industrial area into tech-based zone: Palak
The total estimated cost of the 10 projects is Tk 10,885.60 crore (only additional costs of the revised ones were counted here), State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam told reporters after the meeting.
Of the cost, Tk 5,142.55 crore will be borne from the government’s fund, while Tk 756.30 crore will come from the own funds of the organisations concerned and the rest Tk 4,956.75 as project loans from foreign sources, he said.
In terms of cost, the three largest new projects are Modernization and Capacity Enhancement of BREB Network (Dhaka-Mymensingh Division) project with an estimated cost of Tk 6178.83, Establishment of Rajshahi Medical University (RMU) with Tk 1,867.08 crore, and Modernization of Power Distribution-Smart Grids Phase-I with Tk 1,067.24 crore.
The rest three fresh projects are Upgradation of Gauripur-Anandaganj-Madhupur-Dewanganj Bazar-Hossainpur District Highway under Kishoreganj Road Division project with Tk 701.53 crore, Reconstruction of Dirai-Shalla section of Madanpur-Dirai-Shalla-Jalsukha-Ajmiriganj District Highway project with Tk 628.54 crore, and Temple-Based Children and Mass Education Program (Phase 6) with Tk 365 crore.
Read: Opposition MPs come down hard on EC, police
The four revised projects include Upgrading Sirajganj town part of Nalka-Sirajganj-Soydabad Regional Highway (from Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College to Wapda junction) into 4-lane one and Upgrading the remaining part into 2-lane one (1st revised) project with additional cost of Tk 63.04 crore (now its cost rose at Tk 327.30 crore), construction of the connecting road from Bogura town to medical college (1st revised) with additional cost of Tk 79.72 crore (now the cost stands at Tk 184.71 crore).
The other revised projects are “Construction of Goma Bridge on Rangamati River at 14t km of Barishal (Dinarerpool)-Lakshipasha-Dumki District Highway (1st revised)” with additional cost of Tk 34.82 crore (now the cost increased to Tk 92.45 crore) and Establishment of Fire Service and Civil Defense Stations at 25 important Upazila Sadar/ places of the country (3rd revised)” with reduction of 130.20 crore in the cost (now the cost declined to Tk 289.18 crore).
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Health Minister Zahid Maleque, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, Environment Minister Md Shahab Uddin and Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury were, among others, present.
Ecnec cleared 12 projects involving Tk 12,017cr
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved 12 projects, including Tk 3,398-cr one for the Infrastructural development of Gazipur and Cumilla cities as well as Cox’s Bazar municipality.
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting presided over by Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
The ministers and officials concerned joined the meeting from the city’s NEC conference room.\
Also read:5 projects to develop rural infrastructures get Ecnec nod
“The Today’s meeting approved a total of 12 projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 12,016.88 crore (only additional costs of the revised projects were counted here),” said Planning Minister MA Mannan told reporters after the meeting.
Of the cost, Tk 7,990.14 crore will be borne from the government’s fund, while Tk 594.43 crore will be drawn from the own funds of the organisations concerned and the rest Tk 3,432.31 crore will come from the external sources as foreign loans, he said.
Among them, 10 are fresh projects and the remaining two are revised projects, said the planning minister.
According to the project factsheet, the ‘Urban Development and City Governance (UDCG)’ project will be implemented in Gazipur and Cumilla cities and Cox’s Bazar municipality by December 2027.
The Local Government Engineering Department will execute the project at a cost of Tk 3397.81 crore. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will finance Tk 2,215.56 crore as loan for the project and the remaining Tk 1182.25 crore will come from the government’s fund.
The main project operations include construction of five bridges, two overpasses, one flyover, 32 box culverts, 43 pipe culverts, 5-km RCC retaining wall, 37.6-km water drain, seven solid waste management units (including landfilling stations), nine deep tube-wells and water supply systems, 2.20-km walkway, 5,000sq km playground and three bus terminals as well as installation of 130-km street lighting.
In terms of cost, two other large projects are "Expansion and Strengthening of Electrical Infrastructure in DESCO Area in Dhaka" with the estimated cost of Tk 2,272.47 crore (to be implemented by March 2026) and "Essential Drugs Company Limited, Manikganj Plant Establishment" with Tk 1,905.26 crore (to be implemented by March 2027).
Other approved fresh projects include "Rural Infrastructure Development in Greater Pabna and Bogra Districts (Phase II)" project with Tk 1,400 crore; "Jhenaidah District Rural Infrastructure Development" project with Tk 500 crore; "President Md. Abdul Hamid Shilpakala Academy and Regional Cultural Center, Mithamin, Kishoreganj" project with Tk 59.56 crore; "Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (Phase II)" project with Tk 443.94 crore; “Rehabilitation of Coastal Dams in Tazumuddin and Lalmohan Upazilas (Bhola), Development of Drainage System and Protection of Banks (Phase I)” project with Tk 1096.60 crore; "Development of Irrigation and Drainage System in Purbadhala Upazila of Netrokona District" Project with Tk 205.94 crore; and "River bank protection work, wave protection and canal re-excavation in 10 upazilas of Kishoreganj district" project with Tk 654.26 crore.
Also read:Project to develop 5G network, 9 others get Ecnec nod
The two revised projects are “Construction / Reconstruction of Government Shishu Paribar (Orphanages) and Chhota Moni Nibas Hostel (1st revised)” project; "Irrigation Management Improvement (IMI) (For Muhuri Irrigation) (3rd revised) Project.
The cost of the Shishu Paribar project was increased to Tk 385 crore in the first revision from Tk 296.72 crore in its original design. Besides, the project deadline was extended to June 2024 instead of June 2021.
However, the cost of the IMI project was reduced to Tk 562.69 crore in the 3rd revision from Tk 580.14 crore in the second revision. In fact, the IMI project cost was Tk 457.36 crore in the original layout.
It's a landmark success, Hasina says after full electrification of Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that reaching electricity to every house in the country has been a landmark achievement of her government.
She also said that by this achievement the government has been able to materialise a dream of the Father of the Nation.
The PM was addressing the Ecnec (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) meeting held at the NEC at Sher-e Bangla Nagar in the capital through video conference from her official residence Ganobhaban.
She expressed firm optimism that another dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would also be materialised soon by providing houses to all homeless people.
She extended thanks to all concerned who worked hard for reaching the target of full electrification of the country.
Also read: PM opens Payra power plant, declares full electricity coverage of Bangladesh
In this regard Hasina pointed out the steps of her government to make power sector open for the private initiative during its earlier 1996-2001 term.
She said that 450 MW Meghna Ghat and 360 MW Haripur Power plants were built with foreign investment under private initiative for the first time in the country.
“Later, the government of Awami League since 2009 implemented many power plant construction projects that made it possible to achieve cent per cent electricity coverage,” she added.
The prime minister said that in continuation of this achievement, her government has been working to build houses for all the homeless people.
Mentioning that the neglected southern region witnessed tremendous development over the past years, the prime minister said the biggest Payra power plant was launched yesterday in Patuakhali district.
“Besides, many big establishments like Payra Sea Port, Cantonment, naval base, and other infrastructures have been constructed which have changed the overall scenario in the region,” she said.
Referring to the Padma Bridge, she said that construction works of the mega project will be completed very soon ending sufferings of the people of southern region.
“Implementation of various projects will help protect the southern region from devastating cyclones, floods and other disasters," she said.
Also read: Stay united to take Bangladesh forward: PM urges after dedicating Payra plant as her Ramadan, Eid gift
In this context, the PM asked relevant authorities to create artificial mangrove forest in the coastal region alongside tree plantation and green afforestation.
Hasina reiterated that her democratically elected Awami League government has been able to make these achievements thanks to 13 years of continuous governance.
Project to develop 5G network, 9 others get Ecnec nod
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)on Tuesday approved 10 development projects including a Tk 1059 crore one to develop 5G-capable optical fiber transmission network for expanding uninterrupted telecommunication and broadband internet facilities throughout the country.
The approval came from the 71st Ecnec meeting held with Ecnec chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
The PM joined the meeting, virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban, while ministers and officials concerned attended it at the NEC Conference Room.
“Today the meeting approved a total of 10 projects including two revised ones and the overall estimated cost of the projects is Tk 8,804.10 crore (only additional of the revised projects were counted here),” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters after the meeting.
Of the cost, Tk 8,515.87 crore will be borne from the GoB fund, while Tk 120.78 crore from the own fund of an organisation concerned. The rest Tk 167.45 crore will come from foreign sources as project loan.
The Minister the ADP implementation rate from July-December, 2021 was 30.21 percent, which is higher than 28.45 percent attained in July-December, 2020.
“Our ADP implementation rate, GDP, growth rate and per capita income have increased…..It has been possible due to the prompt and firm decisions taken by the Prime Minister ,” said Mannan.
Talking about the project titled ‘Development of Optical Fiber Transmission Network of BTCL for 5G,’ the Planning Minister said the project will be implemented by December 2024 in order to upgrade our infrastructures and networks for 5G.
Read: Subsidy on gas and electricity should end in phases, PM tells an Ecnec meeting
The main project objective is to reach uninterrupted telecommunication and broadband internet facilities throughout the country and to upgrade and expand the optical fiber transmission network of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company limited( BTCL) to meet the growing demand.
Referring to a project titled ‘Hospital Based Medical Waste Management in 15 Government Hospitals with estimated cost of Tk 214.48 crore, Mannan said the Prime Minister asked the authorities concerned to bring other government hospitals under such management gradually.
She said the government will develop a legal system to motivate private hospitals to follow this management.
During the approval of ‘Establishment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo-Theatre (Planetarium) in Khulna project involving Tk 553.84 crore, the PM directed the authorities concerned to set up Novo Theatres in other districts in phases.
She also asked them to consider if a separate body can be set up under the Science and Technology Ministry to supervise the operations of the Novo Theatres.
Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities to expedite the preparations to launch the Bangabandhu-II satellite.
During approval of another project titled ‘Smart Prepayment Metering Project in Distribution Zones of BPDB’ involving Tk 619.30 crore, the PM directed the authorities concerned to find out a strategy for gradual withdrawal of subsidy from gas and electricity.
“The subsidy is a serious matter. We must get out of the system,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan quoting her as saying.
Read: Pre-departure Covid test no longer needed for UAE-bound passengers
Noting that a huge subsidy is being provided now, she questioned how long the government should continue to provide the large amount of subsidy.
“We’ll have to come out of the subsidy. The subsidy is not a just thing…. Some people are getting it (subsidy) and some others are paying for it,” she was quoted.
Replying to a question, State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam said no discussion was held over agricultural subsidy in the meeting. “The agricultural subsidy will continue as it will help increase production,” he said.
“The Prime Minister talked about electricity and gas subsidies as these are used not only by the poor but also by industries,” he said.
Four other fresh projects are ‘Rehabilitation of Coastal Dams, Development of Drainage System and Protection of Banks in Mujib Nagar and Monpura of Bhola District, Phase-I’ project with estimated cost of Tk 1092.70 crore, Rehabilitation of Polders 41/6A, 41/6B and 41/7A as well as Protection of Betagi town and other vulnerable parts from river erosion caused by Bishkhali and Payra rivers in Barguna District’ with Tk 826.49 crore, ’Integrated Community Based Center for Child Care, Protection and Swim-Safe Facilities’ project with Tk 271.83 crore, and ‘Establishment of 2 Modern Fire Stations in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial Estate’ with Tk 122.72 crore.
Meanwhile, the Ecnec endorsed the 1st revision of ‘Land Acquisition and Utility Transfer Project: Support to Improvement of Dhaka (Kachpur)-Sylhet-Tamabil Highway into 4-lane one and construction of service lanes on its two sides Project’ raising its cost by Tk 4,089.59 crore. The cost was Tk 3,885.72 in the original project, which now stands at Tk 7,975.31 crore.
The meeting approved ‘SASEC Road Connectivity Project: Improvement of Joydebpur-Chandra-Tangail-Elenga Road (N-4) into a 4-lane highway (3rd revised)’ slashing cost by Tk 45.95 crore as it cost came down to Tk 6168.46 crore from 6,214.41 crore. In the original project, the cost was Tk 2,788.45 crore.
Subsidy on gas and electricity should end in phases, PM tells an Ecnec meeting
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for gradual withdrawal of subsidies, particularly from electricity and gas.
“The subsidy is a serious matter. We must get out of the system,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan quoting the PM as saying at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).
Read: Project to develop 5G network, 9 others get ecnec nod
The prime minister, who is also chair of the Ecnec, presided over the meeting, joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Other ministers and officials concerned attended the virtual event from the NEC conference room.
Sheikh Hasina talked about the subsidy during the discussion on an electricity project, said the planning minister while briefing the reporters after the meeting.