TBT DESK: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved five development projects involving a total outlay of Tk 7,003.36 crore, including a major initiative to establish one technical school and college in each of 100 upazilas.

The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting held on Tuesday at the Cabinet Division conference room in Dhaka.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, who also serves as ECNEC Chairperson.

Of the total approved expenditure, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from government funds, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will be financed through project loans.

Among the approved projects is the “Establishment of One Technical School and College in 100 Upazilas (3rd Revised)” under the Ministry of Education, aimed at expanding technical and vocational education across the country.

Three of the approved projects are new, while two are revised initiatives.

Other approved projects include a special infrastructure support project for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone under the Prime Minister’s Office, along with three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources.

These include rehabilitation of the Muhuri–Kahua flood control, drainage and irrigation project in Feni (Phase I), development of the Korotoa river system, and riverbank protection works in Kushtia district’s Mirpur upazila and Kumarkhali upazila.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including ministers responsible for finance, planning, local government, foreign affairs, industry, education, home affairs and water resources, along with senior government officials.

In addition to the five major projects, the ECNEC meeting was also informed about four previously approved projects under Tk 50 crore, including infrastructure development for Bangladesh Air Force installations, Navy school and college facilities in Savar, and education improvement works at BAF Shaheen College in Shamshernagar.

Officials said the initiatives reflect continued government emphasis on expanding education infrastructure, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting industrial development across the country.