United News of Bangladesh

The government on Monday (December 01) approved two major housing projects involving over Tk 2100 crore aimed at rehabilitating families of July martyrs and the injured protesters. The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference room in Dhaka. Under the two project, s 804 flats will be constructed at Mirpur Section-14 for martyred families at an estimated cost of Tk 761.16 crore and 1,560 flats at Mirpur Section-9 for injured protesters involving Tk 1,344.41 crore. Six 14-storey buildings with common basements and twelve 10-storey buildings will be constructed at Mirpur section 14 between January 2026 and December 2029. Read more: Don’t exploit July-August uprising for political gain: Salahuddin The project was initially reviewed by ECNEC on July 27, 2025. Besides, 1,560 flats for families of July movement participants who became permanently disabled will be built between  July 2025 to June 2029. The project will comprise 15 buildings each 14 storeys including a basement. After the ECNEC meeting Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud told reporters that the two projects were placed on separate implementation timelines based on the nature of support required by the affected families. He said the construction of 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur Section-9 for families of July warriors who lost their ability to work during the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will commence in July 2025 and continue until June 2029. Read more: July Memorial set on fire in Manikganj He noted that the second scheme—construction of the “36 July” residential complex in Mirpur Section-14 for the families of those killed during the movement will run from January 2026 to December 2029. Dr Mahmud pointed out that extending support to families of those permanently disabled is comparatively straightforward as eligibility is clear and can be verified directly. Under existing laws, he said, determining the rightful recipient of such benefits—whether the spouse, parents, or other heirs—may require judicial clarity or internal agreement within families. He added that the government would follow the established policy framework, already documented and approved, to ensure fairness and legal consistency while allocating the flats. Where necessary, courts may provide final determinations, while in other cases families may resolve inheritance matters themselves before allocations proceed. “The policy under which such support is provided is already recorded, and allocations will be made accordingly,” he told reporters. Read more: ECNEC clears 17 projects with Tk 15,383 cr

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday approved 17 development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 15,383.51 crore. Of the total outlay, Tk 9,451.84 crore will come from the government’s own resources, Tk 5,609.70 crore as project loans, and Tk 379.31 crore from the implementing agencies’ own funds. The approval came at an ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the Planning Commission with Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Prof  Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The two projects under the Ministry of Agriculture are the “Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Chattogram Region” project and the second revised “Quality Seed Potato Production, Preservation and Strengthened Distribution to Farmers” project. The Power and Energy Ministry got approval for two projects-  the drilling of three exploration wells (Srikail Deep-1, Mobarakpur Deep-1 and Fenchuganj South-1), and the construction of the 220-MW Sonagazi Solar Power Plant. Three projects under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works include the construction of 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur-9 for families of  July activists who lost work capacity, the construction of the ‘36 July’ residential flats for families of  July martyrs, and the modernisation of electrical, mechanical and fire-safety equipment at Bangladesh Secretariat, Transport Pool, Ministers’ Apartments and secretary residences. The Ministry of Bridges received approval for the third revised “Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-6)” and the development of the Sirajganj–Raiganj (Chandaikona) district highway to appropriate standards and width. The meeting also approved the “Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project (NGRUDP)” under the Local Government Division, and a revised project under the Social Welfare Ministry titled “Autism and NDD Services Centre (2nd Revised).” The Finance Ministry secured approval for the “Japan Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) Project (2nd Phase),” while the ICT Division received clearance for the first revised “Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development” project. Under the Education Ministry, the “Completion of Construction of the Third Academic and Central Research Building (10-storey foundation, 10 floors) and Other Structures at Noakhali Science and Technology University” was approved. Three more projects under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry were endorsed: “Climate Responsive Reproductive Health and Population Services Improvement and System Strengthening for Results,” the first revised “Establishment of Essential Biotech and Research Centre, Munshiganj,” and the project covering essential operational activities of the Directorate General of Health Services, Directorate General of Drug Administration and the Community Clinic Health Support Trust. During the meeting, ECNEC members were also briefed on 15 small-scale projects  each costing less than Tk 50 crore which had earlier been approved by the Planning Adviser. These projects include the modernisation of Bangladesh Betar Chattogram Centre, infrastructure development in several district stadiums, the third revised IMPACT–Phase 3 project for poverty alleviation, upgrades to academic institutions, cultural centres, fisheries development initiatives, rural infrastructure improvement in Gazipur, biodiversity enhancement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, drainage system improvement in Chapainawabganj, and the second revised infrastructure development scheme for Dinajpur Municipality.

The expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport has ecome costlier by Tk 470.87 crore as project delays and major design revisions push up expenses and extend the completion deadline by two more years. Officials said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved the first revision of the Expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport (Phase-I) project, raising its total cost to Tk 2,780.66 crore from the original Tk 2,309.79 crore, an increase of about 20.39 percent. Under the revised plan, the project  implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism  will now continue until December 2027 instead of December 2025. Of the total cost, the government will provide Tk 2,718.54 crore while CAAB will contribute Tk 62.12 crore from its own funds. Fraud posing as customs officer arrested at Dhaka Airport The project is designed to expand facilities at the country’s third-largest international airport in response to a rapid rise in passenger and cargo movement. Officials said the cost hike is largely attributed to an expansion of the terminal building area by 3,646 square metres along with additional land development and civil construction work, which together added Tk 485 crore to the total estimate. The project aims to build a modern international passenger terminal, a cargo complex, a new control tower, taxiways, parking aprons, and drainage and utility infrastructure to accommodate rising air traffic. As of June 2025, the project’s financial progress stands at 14.49 percent (Tk 334.60 crore) while physical progress has reached 22.9 percent. The Planning Commission  approved the revised proposal noting that the project’s master plan and design have already been modified to meet operational requirements. The Commission further emphasised that completing associated infrastructure such as drainage and utility systems is essential for ensuring the airport’s readiness for expanded international operations. Sylhet Osmani International Airport serves a large expatriate community particularly from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. With industrial growth in the Sylhet region and increasing cargo demand, officials believe the expansion will significantly boost both passenger and freight capacity, positioning the airport as a modern regional hub for international aviation. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport Osmani International Airport, located about 15 kilometers northeast of Sylhet city, was originally built between 1944 and 1945 during the Second World War to monitor Japanese advances from Burma. Initially known as Sylhet Civil Airport, it primarily served domestic flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport. The airport was later renamed Osmani International Airport in honor of General M. A. G. Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces during the Liberation War. In 1986, the airport was upgraded to a fully functional domestic airport with the construction of a terminal building, installation of navigational aids, and reconstruction of the runway, taxiways, and aprons. A limited expansion in 1998 enabled the operation of medium-sized aircraft such as the Airbus A310. In 2002, the airport was designated as an international airport and received its first international flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, due to a shortage of modern equipment, it initially fell short of international standards. Runway lighting and other essential facilities were added in 2004, allowing safe night operations. Following the South Asia Transport and Trade Facilitation Conference in 2006, work began to upgrade terminal facilities to handle international operations. A new terminal building, two jet bridges, and a taxiway were constructed, enabling Biman to operate Hajj flights directly from Sylhet in 2007. In 2015, Fly Dubai became the first foreign airline to operate flights from Sylhet to Dubai, though the service was briefly suspended and later resumed in 2016. Now Osmani International Airport serves both domestic and international passengers and cargo, connecting Sylhet with major destinations at home and abroad through national and international carriers. Read more: Bangladesh's travellers take to the skies to escape traffic chaos

For burn victims survival often hinges on a race against time but for those living far from the capital in Bangladesh race is increasingly unwinnable. Bangladesh saw 140 deaths in 26,659 fire incidents reported across the country in 2024, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence. Access to specialised burn treatment outside Dhaka remains extremely limited, forcing critically injured patients to rely on the overburdened National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital, while the actual need is even higher. A government project to set up 100-bed burn and plastic surgery units at five major medical college hospitals — in Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Faridpur — was supposed to bring some changes. But the long-awaited project is facing major delays and a significant cost hike. Initially approved in January 2022, the project was scheduled for completion by June, 2025 at a cost of Tk 456.08 crore. But delays, redesigns, and a staggering 78.96% cost hike — raising the revised budget to Tk 816.19 crore — have pushed the completion deadline to June 2028. Of the revised allocation, Tk 464.74 crore will come from the government exchequer (GOB) while Tk 351.45 crore will be provided as a loan from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). The government initiated the project in 2017 and it was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in December 2021. Administrative approval followed in April 2022. The original plan envisioned completion by June 2025. According to a project document obtained by UNB, the delay stems from a series of unforeseen challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, site selection complications, and revisions in the project design. Initially, the plan involved vertical expansion and floor renovations in existing structures, but structural flaws — including cracks in parts of the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital premises — forced a shift to constructing entirely new buildings. Read: Grief and gloom grip burn institute as families await news after BAF crash However, the scope was later changed to construct entirely new dedicated buildings at all five medical college hospitals. Under the revised plan, 11-storey foundation structures with six floors initially at Sylhet, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Barishal medical colleges. In Faridpur, a nine-storey building on an 11-storey foundation will be built due to land constraints. The new facilities will each cover over 8,400 square meters and house state-of-the-art burn and plastic surgery units. Officials said construction costs surged primarily because of the updated Public Works Department (PWD) rate schedule in 2022 which significantly raised civil works estimates. “The cost escalation became unavoidable. Besides, the SFD requested a fresh cost reassessment as the original agreement was signed nearly five years ago,” a senior Planning Commission official said. The revision also incorporates five new expenditure codes for special facilities, telecommunication equipment, stamps, and other operational needs, further contributing to the cost hike, he said. Experts and healthcare professionals say the delay is causing suffering to burn victims outside Dhaka. Read more: 3 of a family burnt in explosion from ‘gas leak’ in Dhaka As there is no specialised burn unit in these districts, critical patients need to be rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital which is already overwhelmed with cases. “Every day we receive critical burn patients from across the country and unfortunately many of them die because they do not get timely treatment closer to home,” said a senior doctor at the Burn Institute seeking anonymity. “The establishment of regional burn units is crucial to saving lives,” he added. Doctors on the frontlines say the delay is costing lives. “The first four to five hours after a burn injury — the golden hours — are crucial. But we often fail to treat patients in time due to the lack of local facilities. Many patients die on the way to Dhaka,” said a doctor of the burn unit at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Once completed, the project will benefit nearly 6 crore people in the five districts and surrounding areas, providing affordable, quality treatment for burn and reconstructive surgery cases. It is also expected to reduce the pressure on Dhaka hospitals. The Planning Commission, in its review, has recommended forwarding the revised proposal to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval to fast-track implementation. Read more: 8 burnt in Dinajpur gas cylinder fire Officials stressed that timely completion is essential to strengthening the country’s burn and plastic surgery treatment network, improving emergency response capacity and saving lives. In Bangladesh, burns are mainly caused by fire, electricity, and chemicals, with thermal and electrical burns being the most common. Recent incidents, like the Uttara plane crash and fires in markets and homes, have added to the growing number of burn victims in urgent need of care.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Sunday approved 11 development projects including a Tk 1,818 crore project to modernise and enhance the capacity of 33/11 KV substations under the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB). The approval came from an Ecnec meeting held at the NEC Conference Room with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said the total project cost will be shared by the government (Tk 6,677 crore), project assistance (Tk 2,428.04 crore) and the implementing agencies’ own funds (Tk 256.89 crore). Of the 11 projects involving an overall cost of Tk 9,361.92 crore, five are new, three are revised while three others received time extension without any cost escalation. According to the Planning Commission, BREB will implement its substation modernisation project in Cumilla under Chattogram Division and in Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Tangail, and Gopalganj districts under Dhaka Division by June 2029. The Tk 1,818 crore project will be funded by Tk 479.98 crore from the government, Tk 1,080.67 crore from development partner KfW and Tk 257.35 crore from BREB’s own resources. The project includes modernisation and capacity enhancement of 25 outdated outdoor rural-type 33/11 KV power substations and construction and upgradation of 625 km of power lines. Once implemented, the project will boost BREB’s power distribution capacity by 418 MVA, reduce system loss in the project areas from 6.62 percent to 5.82 percent, and cut the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) from 332 minutes to 300 minutes. 12 projects get ECNEC nod on Sunday Other projects approved at the meeting included sustainable agricultural development in Rangpur region through modern technology expansion (Tk 143 crore), BMRE of Carew and Co (BD) Limited (2nd revised; timeframe extended without cost increase), Establishment of Rabindra University, Bangladesh (Tk 519.15 crore), Establishment of burn and plastic surgery units at five medical college hospitals in Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Faridpur (1st revised; additional Tk 360.11 crore), and construction of flats for government employees at Azimpur Government Colony, Dhaka (Tk 774.59 crore). The other projects are construction of two residential buildings for officials and employees of Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence (Tk 65.12 crore), Dhaka Environmentally Sustainable Water Supply Project (3rd revised; additional Tk 2,826.55 crore), Expansion and development of safe water supply and sanitation system in Bandarban Pourashava and three upazila sadar areas in Bandarban district (1st revised; timeframe extended without cost increase), establishment of telecommunication network at Mirsarai Economic Zone, Chattogram (Tk 61.90 crore) and construction of mini stadiums at upazila level, 2nd phase (1st revised; Tk 2,855.42 crore). Besides, the meeting was apprised of nine projects earlier approved by the Planning Adviser.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Sunday approved 12 projects with an outlay of Tk 8,149.38 crore. Of this, government financing is Tk 8,58.77 crore, project loan is Tk 143.33 crore and the organisation’s own financing is Tk 52.72 crore. These included six new projects, four revised projects and two projects with extension of period without increase of any cost. The approval was given at the ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Conference Room at the Planning Commission premises with Chief Advisor and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Planning Advisor  Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor  Asif Nazrul, Home Affairs and Agriculture Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Industry and Housing and Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan; and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Water Resources Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hassan were present in the meeting, among others. The 12 projects approved in the meeting are: Construction of Road from Kalurghat Bridge to Chaktai Canal along the banks of Karnaphuli River (2nd Revised 4th Time Extension)” project, Establishment of 20 (12 new and 08 reconstruction of fire stations) Fire Service and Civil Defense Stations at important places of the country”, “Development of Logistics and Freight Maintenance Facilities for Bangladesh Coast Guard (Proposed 2nd Revised)”, “Rural Sanitation Project”, “Drilling of Canal from Bahaddarhat Badraipara to Karnaphuli River” (3rd Revised). The other projects are— “Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Railway Lines of Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railways, "Construction of Officers' Mess and BOQ of DSCSC at Mirpur Cantonment" (1st revised)", "Further Development of Dhaka University", "Income Generating (IGA) Training for Women at Upazila Level (2nd Phase)", "Expansion of Museum Building of Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation and Construction of Other Infrastructure" (1st revised 4th time increase)", "Strengthening of Kandal Crop Research Project", and "Smart Pre-payment Metering Project in Distribution Zones of BPDB (1st revised)". The meeting informed the ECNEC members about the 18 projects already approved by the Planning Advisor. These are— Rural Road Rehabilitation Project (2nd Revised), Hilsa Resource Development and Management (2nd Revised) Project, Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh (2nd Revised) Project, Expansion of Fish Farming Technology Services at Union Level (3rd Phase) Project, Elephant Conservation Project, Construction of Flood Shelters in Flood-Prone and Erosion-Prone Areas (3rd Phase) (2nd Revised), Capacity Building of Bangladesh Safe Food Authority (2nd Revised). Ecnec approves Tk 1,096cr project to modernise national statistical system  The others are— Essential Management Support Project of Gazipur Safari Park, Enhancement of Farm Machinery Research Activities for Mechanized Paddy Cultivation (2nd Revised), Expansion of GNSS CORS Network Coverage and Modernization of Tidal Stations (2nd Revised), Infrastructure development of Talna area adjacent to 300 feet Purbachal Road of Ward No. 43 under Dhaka North City Corporation, Integrated urban infrastructure development of Rajshahi metropolis (1st revised), Construction of Ansar and Village Defense Force armories (40 in the first phase) (2nd revised), Infrastructure development and expansion of Bangladesh Navy Dockyard Technical Institute in Chittagong, Feni Municipality Infrastructure Development Project (2nd revised) 16. Reconstruction of Jamalpur District Jail (1st revised), Establishment of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (2nd revised) and Collection and preservation of audio-visual documents of the student-people's mass uprising-2024 from domestic and foreign sources. The ECNEC also changed names of two projects, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo theatre, Barisal Establishment (2nd Revised) instead of Novo theatre, Barisal Establishment (2nd Revised) and Irrigation Development Project in Kushtia, Meherpur and Chuadanga districts instead of Mujibnagar Irrigation Development Project (2nd Revised). Ecnec approves 17 projects worth over Tk 8,974 cr Regarding the project related to the development of Dhaka University, the planning adviser said that after last year's political  changeover, the university's new administration was asked to prepare a ‘Master Plan’ for the development of the institution. “This big project has been taken up under which new academic and residential buildings, dormitories for the male and female students, a stadium and swimming pool would be set up and renovated to meet the growing demands,” he said. The adviser said that the ECNEC meeting has given directives that the residential facilities for the female students should be proportionately higher while the historical sites and structures of the Dhaka University like the SM Hall and the Curzon Hall should be preserved properly. “I feel very much happy since this project got approval and I hope this will be implemented in a nice way for the development of the University of Dhaka,” he added. The adviser said that under this project, the building on the Dhaka University campus would be multi-storey so that optimum utilisation  of land is ensured. Under the development of Dhaka University project, there will be construction of six academic buildings, four female residential halls, five male residential halls, two residential buildings for teachers and officers, five other buildings.  Referring to the project inspection report of IMED, Dr Mahmud said that they would expect a full-fledged report from the IMED to ascertain why many contractors fled the scene after the changeover of power, how much the concerned project directors are liable for this, whether investigations were carried out to that end, why the contractors often received full payments before the projects were completed during the previous regime and to determine the actual loss of the government for such malpractices. Terming the Bus Rapid Transit project from Gazipur to Airport as an unplanned mega project, the adviser suggested  a committee be formed with the experts from different ministries and concerned sectors to identify how this project was proposed, who prepared the project documents and whether any feasibility study was carried out properly in this regard to determine the rationality of the project. Besides, he said that a proposal is also there to use the BRT lanes as rapid lane and thus realising  toll. The meeting, however, withdraw a proposal for constructing flats for the families of the martyrs of the July uprising since the draft project proposal would be evaluated further.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a project titled ‘Statistical Capacity Enhancement and Modernization Project (SCEMP’) aiming to  transform data-producing institutions including BBS into a modern, integrated, and technology-driven system which will help in evidence-based policymaking. The project under the Statistics and Information Management Department will be implemented by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics at an estimated cost of Tk 1,096.40 crore. Of this, Tk 96.00 crore will be financed by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) with the remaining Tk 1,000.40 crore coming as project assistance from the World Bank. Spanning from July 2025 to June 2030, the project will cover the entire country and support the implementation of the National Statistical Development Strategy (NSDS) 2024–2030. According to the project paper, the main objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and other data producing institutions through the preparation, management, use and dissemination of reliable, quality and timely statistics for the purpose of transparent and evidence-based policy formulation. Main activities will be to develop an effective and integrated National Statistical System, establish and modernize physical and statistical infrastructure, improve data dissemination, information and communication technology management, enhance institutional and individual capacity and professional skills, disseminate data in line with international standards and increase accessibility and use of data.  The project document said that although some progress has been made in the National Statistical System under the National Statistical Development Strategy (NSDS) 2013-2023, there are still some important shortcomings in the development of infrastructure, human resources and information management, which has limited the ability of BBS to produce timely statistics. Ecnec approves 17 projects worth over Tk 8,974 cr Bangladesh’s Statistical Performance Indicator (SPI) score in 2023 was 70.81, indicating moderate progress. However, it reflects weaknesses in some key areas, such as information infrastructure (70), data sources (58) and information services (62). To address these deficiencies, the SCEMP project will modernise the ICT system of BBS, develop statistical infrastructure, and strengthen institutional coordination and data governance. The project will support the integration of new technologies, including digital data collection, geospatial analysis, and real-time data dissemination. In addition, the project will strengthen the administrative information system. The project will invest in creating future-ready skilled human resources by providing training in big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science, which is in line with the Eighth Five-Year Plan and other national priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SCEMP project is proposed to transform BBS into a modern and efficient statistical organization to meet current and future data needs. The  Planning Commission recommended that the project will produce reliable, quality and timely statistics and develop a modern and integrated statistical system in the country. Once implemented, the project can be approved as it will enhance the overall capacity of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and other data producing organizations.  

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec)on Tuesday approved 17 development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 8,974.28 crore. The approval came from the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Planning Commission with Chief Adviser and Ecnec Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Of the total cost, Tk 3,180.34 crore will come from the government’s own funds, Tk 5,563.43 crore as project assistance (loans) and the remaining Tk 230.51 crore from the funds of implementing agencies. Of the approved 17 projects, 11 are new and 5 are revised while one project got time extension without witnessing any expenditure. The approved 17 projects are: Upazila Complex Expansion Project, 2nd phase, 2nd revised, Integrated services and livelihood improvement of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and the host community, Construction of 200-bed drug addiction cure and rehabilitation centers in 7 divisional cities, Enhancing capacity of four newly built marine academies through installing simulators and other related facilities, Access to Justice for Women: strengthening community dispute resolution and improving case management, Establishment of 3rd submarine cable for expanding the international telecommunication system in Bangladesh (2nd revised), Construction of 13 new buffer godowns in 13 districts of Bangladesh for enhancing the fertilizer preservation and distribution facilities (3rd revised). Besides, establishment of Kishore-Kishori Club (1st revised), strengthening integrated services and operations of quick response team for preventing women and children repression, TVET Teachers for the future (TTF) Programme, Countrywide Mobile Library, 3rd revised, Strengthening the development budget management system through installing a new digital database at programming division (3rd revised). Improvement of Public Investment Management System (IPIMS), Procurement Modernization to Improve Public Service Delivery (PMIPSD), Statistical Capacity Enhancement and Modernization Project (SCEMP), Strengthening Public Audit Through Digital Transformation and Capacity Enhancement (SPADTEC) and Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilization Project (SDRMP) were among the projects. Besides, the IPIMS project under the Planning Division, PMIPSD project under the IMED, SPADTEC project under the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, SDRMP project under the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and SCEMP project under the Bureau of Statistics (BBS) would be implemented as umbrella projects under the Strengthening Institution For Transparency and Accountability (SITA) funded by the World Bank. Apart from these, the ECNEC meeting was also apprised of 15 projects approved earlier by the Planning Adviser. Advisers concerned attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present.     

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Saturday approved nine development projects with a total estimated cost of Tk 11,851.29 crore. Of the total amount, Tk 8,046.09 crore will come from government funding, Tk 2,988.95 crore as project loans, and Tk 816.25 crore from the implementing agencies’ own funds. The approval came at an Ecnec meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the Planning Commission chaired by Chief Adviser and Ecnec Chairperson Professor Muhammad Yunus. The approved projects are construction of academic buildings of eight government polytechnic institutes with Tk 451.07 crore, enhancing capacity of 15 government polytechnic institutes with Tk 1,513.95 crore, development of selected private colleges for improvement in education through use of ICT, 3rd revised with a reduced cost of Tk 184.46 crore. Prof Yunus to stay, interim govt to fulfill assigned duties: Dr Wahiduddin Besides, mosque-based children and mass education programme to promote ethics and religious values, 8th phase with Tk 4,645.58 crore, Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment  (RAISE): Reintegration of returning migrants, (1st revised) with an additional cost of Tk 91 crore, GRID Power Evacuation System Development for West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited with Tk 539.71 crore, Power Transmission Strengthening and Integration of Renewable Energy with Tk 4,131.42 crore, Urban Climate Resilient Infrastructure Project (UCRIP) with Tk 590.42 crore and PRABRIDDHI (Local Economic Development), (1st revised) with an additional cost of Tk 72.60 crore. Besides, the Ecnec meeting approved an extension proposal for the Reconstruction of Mymensingh Central Jail (1st Revised) project. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud also briefed the Ecnec members about four projects which were approved earlier. These included Establishment of a Dry Fish Processing Industry in Cox’s Bazar (2nd Revised), Strengthening of Government Video Conferencing Platform (2nd Revised), Construction of Bogura–Rangpur–Saidpur Gas Transmission Pipeline (2nd Revised) and Construction of Elevated Expressway from Lalkhan Bazar to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram (2nd Revised).

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec ) on Wednesday approved Tk 244.14 crore Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG) (DDM) Part project in a bid to enhance disaster resilience and creating employment opportunities for families vulnerable to different disasters. The approval came from the 10th meeting of the Ecnec at the NEC Conference Room in the city with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The meeting approved a total of nine projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk  3,756.20 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 2,798.19 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 812.95 crore as project loan while the rest of Tk 145.06 crore from the concerned organisation’s own fund. Of the approved nine projects, three are new while nine are revised projects. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters. Of total project cost of Tk 244.14 crore for the B-STRONG (DDM) part project, the World Bank will provide Tk 238.34 crore as grant while the rest of Tk 5.80 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion. The Department of Disaster Management and Relief under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will implement the project by June 2029. The main project operations include creating  some 31,89,960 days employment opportunities for some 8,861 vulnerable families under 10 upazilas of Feni, Brahmanbaria and Chattogram districts which were severely affected in flood, procurement of 370 rescue boats for flood-prone 37 districts of the country, imparting training to some 1,480 volunteers in 37 districts on addressing disaster risks and operating rescue boats, imparting training to some 1,295 district disaster management committee members and appointing consultants. The feasibility study on the project has already been completed while the project is included in the new project list under the ADP for the current fiscal year. Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors On the project, the Planning Commission in its recommendations said that once the project is implemented, it would help to create income opportunities for the vulnerable families in different disaster and thus enhance their disaster tolerance. Besides, they would also be able to conduct rescue operations and search operations before, during and after any disaster. The other projects approved in the meeting are: Capacity enhancement of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat including establishing seven regional offices, 3rd revised with zero additional cost, Prevention of violence and harmful practices against children and women in Bangladesh with around Tk 170.34 crore, Construction of inland container and bulk terminal (1st revised) at Khanpur in Narayanganj with an additional cost of Tk 223.75 crore. Besides, Development of Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 145.06 crore, Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project, Component 2&3, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk 34.06 crore, Irrigation management development of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts with Tk 499.82 crore, WECARE, Phase-1, Jhenidah-Jashore Highway (N-7) Development project, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 2,439.03 crore and Important rural infrastructures development in greater Cumilla district, 3rd phase, 1st revised with zero additional cost. Besides, the Ecnec meeting was also apprised about some 11 projects which were approved earlier by the Planning Adviser. Advisers concerned attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and Secretaries Concerned were present.