Dhaka, Jan 25 (V7N) — The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Sunday approved a total of Tk 45,191.27 crore in development projects. The approval came at an ECNEC meeting held in the morning under the chairmanship of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to official sources, the approval includes 14 new projects, six revised projects, and five extension projects.

Of the total allocation, Tk 10,881.40 crore will come from the government’s own financing, Tk 32,018.09 crore from project loans, and Tk 2,291.78 crore from implementing agencies’ own funds.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Advisor Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud said the interim government has refrained from taking up a large number of new projects, focusing instead on priority and ongoing initiatives.

He said ECNEC has approved a Tk 25,000 crore cost increase for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The additional allocation will be used for the construction and commissioning of remaining facilities, procurement of spare parts, strengthening nuclear safety measures, and accommodation for Russian personnel involved in the project.

Professor Mahmud also said that the Rangamati–Khagrachari Highway Development Project, Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital, and the Clean Air Project received approval at the meeting.

In addition, ECNEC extended the implementation period of several major infrastructure projects, including the Lalkhan Bazar–Airport Elevated Expressway in Chattogram, the Shah Amanat International Airport runway expansion, and the Dohazari–Ghumdhum railway project.

END/SMA/AJ