The first meeting of the new government’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) is set to take place today, with 18 development projects worth around Tk12,000 crore on the agenda for approval, alongside a review of 33 delayed projects.
The meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in his capacity as Ecnec president, will be held at the Cabinet Room of the Bangladesh Secretariat at 10:30am. Of the 18 projects slated for approval, eight are new while 10 are revised and extended initiatives.
Major health initiative for urban poor
Among the significant proposals is a major health sector project titled “Expanding Access to Integrated Health Care for the Urban Population.” The initiative aims to establish 170 city health centres across wards under Dhaka and Chattogram city corporations.
With an estimated cost of Tk1,157 crore, the project will be largely financed by the World Bank, which is expected to contribute nearly Tk900 crore, while the government will fund the rest.
The centres will be implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services and operate under a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model integrated with existing healthcare services. Officials said the initiative is designed to improve access to primary healthcare for low-income people, particularly those living in urban slums.
Each centre will operate in two shifts and is expected to maintain at least 80 percent availability of essential medicines, along with ensuring standards for sanitation, water supply, and medical waste management.
Health Service Division officials described the project as crucial for addressing the healthcare needs of rapidly growing urban populations.
Secretariat Building draws cost concerns
Another high-profile project is the construction of a 21-storey office building at the Bangladesh Secretariat, with an estimated cost of Tk 650 crore.
However, the proposal has raised questions over its cost structure. According to planning officials, the estimated construction cost stands at Tk 52,704 per square metre—significantly higher than the usual benchmark of around Tk40,000.
The project also allocates Tk31.34 crore for 14 lifts, averaging more than Tk2 crore per lift, while the air-conditioning system, with a capacity of 2,400 tonnes, is expected to cost around Tk60 crore. Besides, Tk8 million has been earmarked for overseas training, further adding to scrutiny over expenditure.
MP-linked project seeks budget hike
The controversial Universal Social Infrastructure Development-2 project—often referred to as the “MPs’ wish fulfilment project”—is also on the agenda.
Initially approved at Tk1,082 crore, the project’s budget is now proposed to be increased by Tk418 crore, bringing the total to Tk1,500 crore. The period is also set to be extended by one year, until June 2027.
Officials from the Planning Commission noted that the project includes several local initiatives that may not have been prioritised based on urgency, while the implementing agency, Local Government Engineering Department, attributed the cost escalation to rising prices of construction materials and labour.
Wide range of infrastructure projects
The Ecnec meeting will also consider a diverse range of infrastructure and development initiatives. Key projects include the Karatoya River System Development Project, Char Development and Settlement Project-4, Partnered Rural Development Programme Phase IV, and the establishment of IT training and incubation centres.
Healthcare infrastructure will also receive attention, with plans to set up diagnostic centres at medical colleges in divisional cities to improve maternal and child health services, as well as the construction of Gopalganj Dental College and Hospital.
Urban development projects include infrastructure improvements under Dhaka South City Corporation and residential facilities for sanitation workers in Chattogram.
Transport and connectivity projects feature prominently as well, including upgrades to national highways such as the Barishal–Bhola–Lakshmipur road, the construction of the Rangamati Goma bridge, and the development of border roads in the three hill districts—Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban.
Additionally, five climate-resilient bridges in Mymensingh Division and an emergency water supply project for Dhaka city are also up for approval.
Delayed projects under review
Alongside new approvals, Ecnec will review 33 delayed projects, including 12 newly added to the list. Officials said the review aims to identify bottlenecks and improve implementation efficiency.
Experts have long raised concerns over recurring delays and cost overruns in public development projects, urging stricter monitoring and realistic planning.
As the new government’s first Ecnec meeting, today’s session is expected to set the tone for its development priorities, balancing ambitious infrastructure expansion with growing concerns over project costs, execution, and accountability.
