BNP govt reconstitutes powerful ECNEC body

PM to chair key economic decision-making committee

FE REPORT | Published: February 25, 2026 00:03:43

In a move to consolidate economic governance, the newly elected BNP-led government on Tuesday reconstituted the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), restoring the apex body responsible for approving major public investment projects.
The reorganisation places Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the helm of the influential committee, signalling the administration's intent to directly steer development spending and policy coordination.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been appointed chairman of ECNEC, while Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will serve as alternative chairman.
According to a government gazette issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday, the committee was formally constituted, superseding the previous ECNEC notification issued during the interim period on August 20, 2024.
Among the key members are Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman; Industries, Textiles and Jute, and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman; Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Shakhawat Hossain; and Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
Relevant cabinet members from other ministries will also attend ECNEC meetings when projects under their respective ministries are placed for consideration.
The reconstituted ECNEC holds extensive authority over the country's development financing. Its primary responsibilities include reviewing and approving Development Project Proposals (DPPs) and Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TAPPs).
The committee will also consider public-sector projects involving total investments exceeding Tk 500 million, review the overall economic situation and related policy matters, and assess annual foreign assistance targets while monitoring progress against those goals.
The Planning Division will provide secretarial support to the committee. Senior officials assisting ECNEC will include the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and secretaries from the Finance, Planning and Statistics divisions.