The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved ten projects worth approximately BDT 10,855.60 crore, including the establishment of Rajshahi Medical University (RMU) at a cost of BDT 1,867.08 crore. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who presided over the 17th ECNEC meeting of the outgoing fiscal year (FY22) virtually from Ganabhaban, has also instructed the authorities to construct a museum dedicated to the Padma Bridge.
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Breakdown of Project Financing
| Source of Funds | Amount (BDT in Crore) |
|---|---|
| Government of Bangladesh | 5,142.55 |
| Organisation’s Own Fund | 756.30 |
| Project Assistance | 4,956.75 |
| Total Cost | 10,855.60 |
Padma Bridge Museum Initiative
The Prime Minister has proposed the establishment of the museum at a strategic location in Bhanga, taking into consideration its picturesque surroundings and the bridge’s connecting roads and flyovers. The museum will feature various instruments and equipment used in the construction of the bridge, symbolising the nation’s engineering prowess and resilience.
On the occasion of the bridge’s inauguration on 25th June, the Prime Minister is expected to take photographs with construction workers, ministers, secretaries, and officials who contributed to this historic project.
A Structure of National Pride
Dr Shamsul Alam, State Minister for Planning, described the Padma Bridge as a “structure of national pride,” reflecting the Prime Minister’s unwavering determination and the government’s financial capability. He highlighted that despite multiple revisions to the Development Project Proposal (DPP), the bridge was completed with a justified expenditure.
The decision to self-finance the bridge followed the withdrawal of funding by the World Bank and co-financiers such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Eminent economists, including Dr Abul Barkat and Dr Atiur Rahman, supported the government’s financial capability to execute the project independently.
Investment in Infrastructure and Disaster Resilience
The Prime Minister has also directed authorities to implement underground utility lines, including electricity, in cyclone-prone and disaster-affected regions to enhance resilience.
A significant approval in the meeting was the Dirai-Shalla segment of the Madanpur-Dirai-Shalla-Jolshukha-Ajmiriganj district highway, with an estimated cost of BDT 628.54 crore. The Premier mandated that bridges replace culverts along this route to facilitate uninterrupted water flow and ensure boat movement.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has recommended the construction of elevated roads in Haor and low-lying areas to extend their lifespan to 70–80 years, thereby reducing maintenance costs and preventing fund misuse. Additional funding will be allocated to incorporate these structural enhancements.
Other Key Projects Approved
| Project | Cost (BDT in Crore) |
| Sirajganj Town portion of Nolka-Sirajganj-Soydabad Highway (four-lane upgrade) | 63.04 |
| Bogura Town to Medical College (1st revision) | 79.72 |
| Upgrading Gouripur-Anandaganj-Modhupur-Dewanganj Bazar-Hossainpur District Highway | 701.53 |
| Construction of Goma Bridge over Rangamati River (1st revision) | 34.82 |
| Establishing 46 fire service and civil defence stations (3rd revision, reduced cost) | -130.20 |
| Modernisation of Power Distribution Smart Grids (Phase 1) | 1,067.24 |
| Mandir-based Children and Mass Education Programme (6th phase) | 365.00 |
| Modernisation and Capacity Enhancement of BREB Network (Dhaka-Mymensingh) | 6,178.83 |
Budget Implementation & Economic Outlook
At the outset of the meeting, ECNEC extended its appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for proposing a timely budget of BDT 6,78,064 crore for the upcoming fiscal year (FY23), prioritising inflation control in the current economic climate.
Dr Alam reported that the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) implementation status for July–May of the current fiscal year was 65.56%, with BDT 1,42,387.90 crore spent—an increase of BDT 20,256 crore compared to the previous year’s corresponding period.
The Rajshahi Medical University project, which will be implemented under the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, will be fully financed by the government. The project includes the acquisition of 67.78 acres of land, construction of 16 non-residential and 5 residential buildings, and procurement of essential medical and surgical equipment.
The government remains committed to infrastructure development and economic resilience, as evident from these strategic project approvals, which are expected to contribute to long-term national growth and sustainability.