The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 10 projects worth Tk 4,246.72 crore. This approval came from the 6th meeting of ECNEC in this fiscal year and the 5th meeting of the interim government.
The meeting was held at the NEC Conference Room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on Wednesday, with ECNEC Chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Dr. Muhammad Yunus presiding.
The planning adviser stated that they were processing and approving development projects more quickly, although they still needed to scrutinise each project after the interim government assumed office. New projects were now being initiated, with the Planning Commission requesting authorities to prioritise local level projects.
Discussing macroeconomic indicators, Mahmud noted that export earnings were rising again and the pace of inward remittance had gained momentum. Consequently, more funds were being mobilised locally, boosting economic activities. Inward remittances were having both direct and indirect positive impacts on the economy.
Mahmud described the demographic dividend as a 'window of opportunity,' suggesting that Bangladesh might fully benefit from it over the next 10 to 15 years. He also mentioned the possibility of amending the Statistics Law to enable the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to publish its own data on GDP, inflation, employment, and wage rates with expert support.
Among the approved projects, a Chattogram Tax Building will be constructed at a cost of Tk 437.07 crore. Conservation dredging at Poshur Channel in Mongla Port is another project, with a budget of Tk 1,538.19 crore. Additional funds of Tk 169.31 crore have been allocated for the Collection of Auxiliary Vessels for Mongla Port, while an additional Tk 113.85 crore will go towards establishing the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System & Integrated Maritime Navigation System (EGIMNS).
Further projects include Strengthening Sustainable Nutrition Security through Pulse and Oilseed Production with Tk 265.78 crore and increasing agricultural production through surface water management and utilisation in Sylhet Division with Tk 499.99 crore. Reconstruction and rehabilitation of iron bridges in the southern region of the country will receive an additional Tk 439.40 crore.
The Dupitila-1 and Kailashtila-9 Wells exploration project has been allocated Tk 646.48 crore. Additionally, the construction of the Bangladesh Buddhist Monastery Complex at Lumbini Conservation Area in Nepal has a budget of Tk 68.08 crore. Finally, the construction of modern food storage facilities will receive an additional Tk 68.57 crore.
Ensuring that each project meets its goals on time and within budget is crucial for national development.
