Dhaka, Feb 02 (V7N) — The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 13 development projects worth Tk 12,579 crore, including two major gas extraction initiatives. The approval was given during a meeting held at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Sunday, presided over by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Following the meeting, Planning Advisor Dr. Wahid Uddin Mahmud briefed the media, revealing that nine new projects would require Tk 12,712.83 crore, while the four revised projects would cost Tk 7,341.30 crore, with an additional Tk 508 crore added to their budget.

Among the approved projects are two significant gas extraction initiatives. The first involves drilling four appraisal-cum-development wells in the Titas and Kamta gas fields, costing Tk 1,255 crore. The Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) will implement this project between January 2025 and September 2027, with Tk 872 crore provided by the government and Tk 382 crore from BAPEX's own funds.

The second gas-related project is a 3D seismic survey in the Habiganj, Bakhrabad, and Meghna fields, estimated at Tk 454 crore. The government will contribute Tk 312 crore, while Sylhet Gas Fields will provide Tk 141 crore. This project is set to run from January 2025 to June 2027.

Other key projects approved by ECNEC include:

  • Uttar Kattali Catchment Sanitation Project (Chattogram)
  • Mongla Port Facilities Expansion and Development
  • Improved Seed Production and Development for Paddy, Wheat, and Maize
  • Modernization of BADC’s Seed Production and Distribution System
  • Food Safety Testing Capacity Development
  • Sylhet-12 Well Digging Project
  • Ghorashal IV Unit Re-Powering Project
  • Development of Power Distribution System (Chattogram Zone)
  • Strengthening Migration Management and Sustainable Reintegration
  • Construction and Infrastructure Development of Government Primary Schools in Dhaka and Purbachal
  • Establishment of Digital Labs in Educational Institutions

Additionally, ECNEC approved an extension for the Narayanganj City Corporation Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Management (Second Revised and Fourth Extension) Project.

Four other projects were brought to ECNEC’s attention for informational purposes:

1. Capacity Building of the Department of Animal Resources

2. Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation and Management (USAID Ecosystem Project)

3. Char Development and Settlement Bridging Project (CDSP-B)

4. Conservation and Development of Historical Buildings in Old Dhaka Central Jail

The approved projects aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure, education, and environmental sectors, aligning with the government’s development vision.

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