The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 13 development projects worth Tk 83.33bn, with a major focus on energy exploration and land management.

Chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the meeting on Wednesday cleared the purchase of a high-capacity drilling rig for Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) at a cost of Tk 5.77bn. Another Tk 15.56bn project was approved to explore gas at five wells across the country.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said the government would also identify and reclaim khas land under public agencies to ensure better use of state-owned property. A four-member panel has been formed, including Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Energy and Power Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Housing Adviser Adilur Rahman, and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

“Railways, the Water Development Board, and the Forest Department have large areas of khas land, but much remains under illegal occupation,” Mahmud said.

The new drilling rig, with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower, will enable BAPEX to deepen exploration. Planned drilling includes wells at Shahbazpur-5, Shahbazpur-7, Bhola-3, Bhola-4, and one in Shahbazpur’s north-east zone.

Of the 13 projects, seven are new, five are revised, and one has been extended without additional cost.

Officials said the approvals reflect the government’s emphasis on energy security, infrastructure upgrades, and social development initiatives.