ECNEC Meeting Held Under The Prime Minister’s Chairmanship

Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman presided over the third ECNEC meeting of the 2026-27 fiscal year on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The session considered a total of 16 development projects with an estimated cost of BDT 65,517 crore 26 lakh. Officials noted that this marks the eighth ECNEC session of the current government, establishing it as the largest financial outlay meeting during their tenure so far.

Among the 16 tabled initiatives, 12 are entirely new projects while four are revised proposals. The total estimated cost comprises BDT 25,278 crore 12 lakh from government financing, BDT 40,166 crore 67 lakh through project loans, and BDT 72 crore 47 lakh from the respective agencies’ own funds. This substantial allocation reflects a major push toward expanding the nation’s core infrastructure and public services.

The standout proposal is the Southern Route of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, commonly known as Metro Rail Line-5, carrying a massive cost of BDT 45,503 crore 77 lakh. Implemented by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, the initiative is scheduled to run from September 2026 to August 2033. It features BDT 15,197 crore 66 lakh in government funding alongside BDT 30,306 crore 10 lakh in foreign project loans.

Key transport additions include two major railway projects: a revised Bogura-Sirajganj dual-gauge line costing BDT 4,667 crore 42 lakh and electrical traction for the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route at BDT 3,822 crore 51 lakh. Health sector priorities feature a BDT 4,039 crore 6 lakh response plan against TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Furthermore, defense investments involve BDT 1,153 crore 60 lakh for Barishal Cantonment’s second phase and BDT 374 crore 15 lakh for Khulna naval infrastructure.

Ministry of Planning sources confirmed that approving all 16 primary agenda items will break previous financial records set by the current administration. An additional 15 minor projects valued at under BDT 50 crore each were also briefed outside the main agenda. The broad portfolio further addresses water resources, digital land management, and worker welfare in the RMG and leather sectors.