The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved nine projects, involving a total cost of Tk 136.39 billion.
The ECNEC approved the projects at its weekly meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at the National Economic Council (NEC) in the city on Tuesday.
Planning Minister M A Mannan briefed reporters after the meeting.
"The government will provide Tk 88.86 billion from its own fund, while Tk 44.59 billion will be available as loans or grants for implementation of the projects," said the minister.
Among the projects, a project to strengthen the Mongla Port's capacity at a cost of Tk 60.14 billion received the ECNEC's nod in the meeting, he also said.
"Bangladesh government will finance Tk 15.55 billion from its own fund for the project, and the remaining Tk 44.59 billion will come as part of Indian Line of Credit (LoC)."
The seaport is set to become busier in coming days with the country's economic progress. The government has also encouraged India, Nepal and Bhutan to use the port.
Mongla Port Authority and Ministry of Shipping will implement the project, he added.
Another approved project to develop an approach road - Shariatpur-Zanjira-Naodoba - for Padma Bridge at a cost of Tk 16.82 billion will be implemented by the Road Transport and Highways Division with the government money.
The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2022, Mr Mannan further said.
The government also took a project at a cost of Tk 13.51 billion for modernisation of Paturia and Doulatdia river-ports by including more facilities.
"We want to make the key transport facilities more time-befitting and user-friendly for millions of users."
The other ECNEC-approved projects include enhancement of Anwara upazila connecting road and Karnaphuli Tunnel approach road into four-lane ones at a cost of Tk 4.07 billion.
Development of another road in Noakhali will require Tk 2.82 billion.
The four other projects include embankment development in Rajshahi, animal resources improvement in char and hour areas, and integrated infrastructure development in Rajshahi City Corporation.
Briefing the media, the planning minister also said the prime minister in the ECNEC meeting has requested the officials concerned to safeguard trees and water-bodies to ensure environmental protection while implementing different projects.
"The prime minister also expressed concern over poor waste management in the country."
The government will welcome any foreign company, showing interest to produce electricity from waste materials.
The PM also instructed establishing modern butcher shops in urban areas, as many meat sellers slaughter animals in unhygienic ways, he added.
Member, General Economics Division (GED) of Bangladesh Planning Commission Professor Dr. Shamsul Alam and Planning Division Secretary Md. Nurul Amin were present in the briefing, among others.
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