The government has proposed 42 new projects, worth Tk 113.65 billion, for inclusion in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) to strengthen social security measures.

Officials said Tk 103.27 billion of the total would be sourced from domestic resources, while Tk 10.30 billion is being sought from external lenders and donors.

Five projects, costing Tk 9.38 billion, aim to support individuals affected by the July mass uprising. These include a Tk 5.0 billion scheme titled “Ensuring Alternative Employment and Social Safety Net for July Fighters” and the Tk 627.6 million “July Revolution Fighters Empowerment and Rehabilitation Project.”

The Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs has proposed a Tk 2.5 billion project to identify and rehabilitate women and adolescents affected by the July movement.

The Planning Commission stated that some projects have been incorporated into the Revised ADP to speed up approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The ECNEC has already cleared the Tk 9.04 billion SSPIRIT project, supported by the World Bank, to provide cash support and training to vulnerable groups.

While the proposals reflect a strong commitment to social protection, concerns remain that several projects under the Social Safety Net Programme focus more on infrastructure than direct financial aid.

Economist Dr Mustafa K Mujeri warned that true social security must prioritise immediate financial support to vulnerable communities, not infrastructure development alone.