PM Tarique to head ECNEC as govt reconstitutes top project approval body

The government has constituted the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the country’s highest body for approving public investment projects, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairman.

The committee was formed through a gazette notification issued on Thursday, outlining its composition, supporting officials and scope of responsibilities.

According to the notification, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed as the vice-chairman of ECNEC.

The other members of the committee include finance minister, housing and public works minister, foreign minister, industries minister, law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister, health and family welfare minister, and road transport and bridges, railways and shipping minister.

The planning minister will serve as a member of the committee, while the secretary of the planning division will act as the member-secretary.

The gazette also specified a group of senior officials who will assist the committee in its functions.

These include the principal secretary to the prime minister, the prime minister’s principal secretary or secretary, secretaries of the Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, Statistics and Informatics Division, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division, and Planning Division.

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Secretaries from relevant ministries and divisions will also participate in committee proceedings when required.

ECNEC is empowered to review, consider and approve all development project proposals, including Development Project Proposals (DPPs), Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TPPs), and revised project proposals.

It will also examine and approve investment projects involving government funding exceeding Tk50 crore, based on recommendations from the relevant appraisal committees.

Besides, the committee will review the implementation progress of ongoing development projects to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of public funds.

ECNEC will also consider investment proposals from private sector entities, joint ventures and state-owned enterprises that require government approval or policy support.

As the apex executive body for approving development projects, ECNEC plays a crucial role in implementing the government’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) and advancing national economic priorities through coordinated planning and oversight.