The National Economic Council (NEC) on Monday approved a Tk 2,16,000 crore Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) for the current fiscal year with the highest priority given to the transport and communication sector.
The approval came during a meeting at the NEC Conference Room in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, chaired by NEC Chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
The original ADP outlay for FY25 was set at Tk 2,65,000 crore. The revised allocation marks a reduction of Tk 49,000 crore — an 18.49 percent decrease from the initial budget.
Of the approved RADP allocation, Tk 1,35,000 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh’s portion, while the remaining Tk 81,000 crore will be sourced from project loans or grants. Including an additional Tk 10,126.29 crore from the own funds of concerned organizations, the total RADP outlay stands at Tk 2,26,126.29 crore.
Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed the reporters after the meeting.
He said that efforts would be made to accelerate the RADP implementation pace.
He noted that the chief adviser emphasised the importance of maintaining stability and expediting the implementation rate.
Dr Mahmud informed that the ADP implementation rate reached 21.52 percent during the July-January period of FY25 — lower than the 30 percent average seen in previous fiscal years.
He stressed that ministries, divisions, and implementing agencies must intensify their efforts to improve the execution rate.
To ensure greater efficiency, Dr Mahmud highlighted plans to make the tender process more transparent. He also called for increased investment in the health and education sectors, advocating for the appointment and training of more doctors and nurses.
Among the 57 ministries and divisions, the RADP allocation for eight saw a 17.28 percent increase, while 49 experienced a 28.71 percent decrease.
Of the 1,437 projects included in the RADP, 1,212 are investment projects, 28 are survey projects, 112 are technical assistance projects, and 85 are financed through own funds. Additionally, 313 projects are slated for completion within the current fiscal year.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
