The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Monday approved five projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 5,915.99 crore.

Among the approved projects, one is aimed at improving the sewerage system in Chattogram (Catchments 2 and 4) with an allocation of around Tk 5,152.55 crore.

The approvals were given at an Ecnec meeting chaired by its chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The meeting was held at the NEC Conference Room.

Of the total cost for the five projects, Tk 1,095.94 crore will be provided by the government, Tk 4,787.50 crore will come as project assistance, and the remaining Tk 32.55 crore will be financed by the concerned organisation’s own funds.

Out of the five approved projects, two are new, while three are revised projects.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the time has come to make policy adjustments in project implementation.

He said that since assuming office, the interim government has focused on eliminating corruption and irregularities in development projects. The next phase, however, will prioritise the speedy implementation of these schemes.

The adviser added that by the end of the current fiscal year, sectors such as education might see proportionately higher allocations, particularly in areas such as educational equipment, scientific tools, and research materials.

Dr Mahmud also expressed optimism that if stability is restored in the economy, private sector entrepreneurs would step forward in greater numbers, which could significantly boost economic growth.

The other projects approved in the meeting are:

* Extension and Strengthening of Network of Eastern Region Grid (1st Revised): Additional cost of Tk 459.95 crore.

* Capacity Building of Universities in Bangladesh to Promote Youth Entrepreneurs: Tk 93.50 crore.

* Modern Waste and Released Oil Removal Management of Mongla Port (1st Revised): Additional cost of Tk 110.15 crore.

* Emergency Multi-sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (2nd Revised): Additional cost of Tk 99.84 crore.