The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 12 development projects involving a total investment of over Tk 81.49 billion, while rejecting a proposed revision of the much-delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The approvals were made during the ECNEC’s 12th meeting, held under the interim government and chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka on Sunday.

Of the sanctioned investment, Tk 80.59 billion will be sourced from the national exchequer, with Tk 1.43 billion coming from foreign loans and Tk 527.2 million from the funds of implementing agencies, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud told reporters after the meeting.

A notable approval was the Tk 28.4 billion “Further Development of the University of Dhaka” project. It includes the construction of residential halls, academic buildings, a stadium, and a swimming pool. ECNEC stressed the importance of prioritising female student housing and preserving historical structures such as SM Hall and Curzon Hall.

Other major projects include rehabilitation of 1,500 km of railway lines in the eastern region (Tk 17.92 billion), a rural sanitation initiative (Tk 20 billion), and the construction and renovation of 20 fire service stations (Tk 6.51 billion).

The committee, however, rejected the fourth revision of the BRT project, terming it “monstrous and unplanned”. Dr Mahmud cited design flaws and criticised the fragmented layout. He confirmed that an investigation would be launched into the project’s design and feasibility process.

A proposal for student family housing, valued at Tk 7.61 billion, was deferred for further review.