ECNEC Meeting Postponed, Approval of 15 Development Projects Worth Tk 9,000 Crore Delayed
The approval of 15 development projects involving an expenditure of around Tk 9,000 crore has been delayed following the postponement of a scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The projects could not be placed for approval as the meeting was postponed. They include initiatives related to gas well drilling, urban infrastructure development, the establishment of a university and the expansion of healthcare services.
The meeting was scheduled to be held on Sunday morning, October 25, at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman was scheduled to preside over the meeting.
While official sources cited “unavoidable reasons” for the postponement, responsible sources at the Planning Commission said the decision was taken last night in view of the prime minister’s upcoming visit to Japan. The meeting was deferred to allow him to complete important official work before the trip.
Among the projects awaiting approval are the drilling of two appraisal-cum-development wells, named Titas-32 and Titas-33, at the Titas Gas Field. The project is considered important for increasing domestic gas production and strengthening energy security.
The proposed establishment of Netrokona University and the “Innovation Climate Smart Urban Development” project were also scheduled to be placed before the meeting.
The urban infrastructure development proposals include the repair of damaged major roads, drains and footpaths under Dhaka South City Corporation, as well as a project to ensure safe water supply and sanitation in the Barind region.
Two other projects were also awaiting approval: the establishment of nuclear medicine centres at five medical colleges across the country and the procurement of specialised, operationally suitable vehicles to strengthen the Bangladesh Police’s capabilities.
The postponement has delayed the approval process for all these projects. The date of the next ECNEC meeting and when the projects will be resubmitted for approval have yet to be announced.
