In its first 100 days, the government has sent a strong message about reviving the economy through large-scale development activities.
During this period, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) held three meetings and approved a total of 28 development projects.
The total cost for these projects is set at approximately Tk50,625 crore.
Many observers view these development activities as a clear reflection of the new government's economic and political priorities.
The Ecnec decisions clearly indicate that the administration is focusing heavily on infrastructure development, water security, healthcare, transport expansion, and building a technology-driven economy.
In particular, the approval of the Tk34,500 crore 'Padma Barrage (Phase 1)' project shows that the government is returning to large infrastructure or mega-projects.
Analysts say this is not just a water management project; it is a long-term strategic investment connected to agriculture, shipping, industry, environment, and climate security for the southwestern region.
Prime Minister and Ecnec chairperson Tarique Rahman presided over all three meetings.
The journey began with relatively small and revised projects in the first meeting. The second meeting brought significant momentum to infrastructure expansion, and the third meeting added a new dimension to national development by approving the Padma Barrage.
According to economists and planners, looking at the first three Ecnec meetings reveals a step-by-step development strategy. The administration started by restructuring ongoing projects and checking administrative capacity, moved on to expanding infrastructure and public services, and finally entered long-term strategic mega-projects.
Planning Commission officials notes that most of these projects are linked to long-term infrastructure and manufacturing growth.
Consequently, their impact will extend beyond government spending to create a positive multiplier effect across employment, industrial production, agriculture, and the service sector.
First Ecnec meeting
Many observers viewed the first Ecnec meeting on April 6 as a cautious, disciplined start. Instead of launching major mega-projects immediately, the government focused on reviewing and restructuring existing projects.
The five projects approved during this initial meeting included the General Social Infrastructure Development Project-2 (GSIDIP-2), the Char Development and Settlement Project-4, an IT Training and Incubation Center, diagnostic imaging modernization for divisional medical college hospitals, and the establishment of the Gopalganj Dental College and Hospital.
An analysis of these projects shows an immediate focus on healthcare, social infrastructure, and technology.
Modernizing diagnostic facilities and building a new dental hospital aim to upgrade the healthcare system, while the IT training project points to plans for youth skill development and digital growth.
Just 20 days later, on April 26, the second Ecnec meeting saw development spending increase significantly. The committee approved 14 projects with a total estimated cost of Tk13,445.41 crore.
A key feature of this meeting was heavy investment in large infrastructure and public utilities, alongside an expansion of projects backed by foreign loans.
Out of the total budget, approximately Tk5,340 crore was secured through foreign development assistance.
These approvals show that the government is focusing on regional connectivity and logistics capacity rather than restricting development to the capital.
Economists emphasize that improving transport networks lowers freight costs, boosts regional trade, and strengthens the overall investment environment.
During this meeting, the government also formed an investigative committee to find out why three specific road projects faced repeated delays and cost overruns. This move sends a clear message about enforcing accountability and controlling costs in public works.
Third Ecnec meeting
The third Ecnec meeting on May 13 stands out as the most significant development session of the government's first 100 days.
While only nine projects were approved, total costs reached Tk36,695.72 crore. This large expenditure is driven almost entirely by the 'Padma Barrage (Phase 1)' project, which accounts for Tk34,497.25 crore on its own.
The project will be executed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board under the Ministry of Water Resources. It is scheduled to run for seven years, from July 2026 to June 2033, and will be fully funded by the government.
Policymakers view the Padma Barrage as a long-term economic and environmental turnaround project for southwestern Bangladesh, rather than just a water control structure.
The project aims to introduce deep changes to national water management, agricultural output, and ecological balance.
The main engineering objective of the barrage is to revive water flow during the dry season across critical rivers in the southwest, including the Gorai-Modhumoti, Hisna-Mathabhanga, Chandana-Barasia, Baral, and Ichamoti. By storing and regulating water, the barrage will supply approximately 800 cusecs of water to these dying channels during dry months, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
The project is designed to expand irrigation facilities across nearly 2.88 million hectares of agricultural land, spanning 19 districts including Jessore, Khulna, Kushtia, Magura, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Narail, Bagherhat, Satkhira, Rajbari, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Pabna, Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, and Pirojpur.
Government estimates indicate this could increase annual rice yields by 2.4 million tonnes and fish production by 250,000 tonnes, strengthening national food security.
The second phase of the master plan includes constructing three hydro-electric power plants around the barrage after 2033, alongside developing seven satellite towns.
This infrastructure is intended to serve as new centers for regional industrialization and urban growth, helping to modernize the local economy.
Project officials estimate that the Padma Barrage will significantly reduce water scarcity across at least 24 districts, directly or indirectly benefiting nearly seven crore people.
The project will contribute an estimated 0.45% to national GDP. Primary work on the 2.1-kilometer-long barrage in the Pangsha area of Rajbari is scheduled to begin in the upcoming FY27.
The structure will feature 78 spillway gates, 18 undersluices, two fish passes, and a navigation lock. It will also involve over 135 kilometers of dredging in the Gorai-Modhumoti river and 246 kilometers of re-excavation along the Hisna river system.
Mitigating the long-term impacts of Farakka Barrage
A key strategic objective noted by the Planning Commission is countering the long-term environmental damage caused by the Farakka Barrage.
Reduced dry-season water flow down the Padma-Ganges basin has led to increased salinity, river siltation, and fresh water scarcity across Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagherhat for decades.
While economists agree that these large development projects will help create jobs and drive demand across sectors like cement, steel, construction, and transport, they also urge caution.
The main challenges for the government will be keeping costs under control, ensuring transparency, and preventing project delays, as past public works have frequently faced cost overruns and bureaucratic bottlenecks, maintaining high standards of administrative efficiency and strict accountability will be essential to ensure these investments deliver real benefits to the public.