DE News Desk :
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved an Annual Development Programme (ADP) worth Tk 2,30,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26), with the highest allocation going to the transport and communication sector.
The decision was made during a meeting held at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, chaired by NEC chief and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Of the total ADP outlay, Tk 1,44,000 crore will be funded by the Government of Bangladesh, while Tk 86,000 crore will come from project aid in the form of loans and grants.
Including an additional Tk 8,599.71 crore from implementing agencies’ own funds, the overall ADP allocation stands at Tk 2,38,599.71 crore.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said the ADP is aligned with the broader strategy of the upcoming FY26 budget, which aims to restore economic stability, curb inflation, and ensure more disciplined and sustainable fiscal management.
“We aim to avoid falling into a debt trap—be it domestic or external—and to reduce pressure on both loan repayments and development expenditure,” he said.
Dr. Mahmud added that the government is committed to breaking away from previous patterns of unsustainable spending.
He also noted that the government, under the constraints of an interim setup, would not suddenly withdraw subsidies due to ongoing inflationary pressure, and emphasized that the new budget would avoid populist measures that could increase future liabilities.
Highlighting a shift in development planning, the Planning Adviser confirmed that no new mega projects were included in the ADP, except for the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, which is being funded by Japan.
He acknowledged past challenges with projects such as Payra Port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and the BRT system, which he said lacked long-term impact assessments.
The revised ADP for FY25 was Tk 2,16,000 crore, meaning the newly approved ADP for FY26 is Tk 14,000 crore—or 6.48%—higher.
The new ADP emphasizes sustainable, environment-friendly development aimed at inclusive economic growth, increased employment, and progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Priority sectors include agriculture, education, health, ICT, power, and regionally balanced development.
Sector-wise Allocation Highlights:
Transport & Communication: Tk 58,973.39 crore (highest)
Power & Energy: Tk 32,392.26 crore (14.08%)
Education: Tk 28,557.43 crore (12.42%)
Housing & Community Facilities: Tk 22,776.40 crore (9.90%)
Health: Tk 18,148.14 crore (7.89%)
These five sectors together account for around 70% of the total ADP allocation.
Top Ministry-wise Allocations:
Local Government Division: Tk 36,099 crore
Road Transport and Highways Division: Tk 32,329.57 crore
Power Division: Tk 20,283.62 crore
Secondary and Higher Education Division: Tk 13,625.03 crore
Ministry of Science and Technology: Tk 12,154.53 crore
Health Services Division: Tk 11,617.17 crore
Primary and Mass Education Ministry: Tk 11,398.16 crore
Shipping Ministry: Tk 9,387.62 crore
Water Resources Ministry: Tk 8,489.86 crore
Ministry of Railways: Tk 7,714.99 crore
The ADP includes a total of 1,171 projects: 993 investment projects, 99 technical assistance projects, 19 feasibility studies, and 60 projects funded by organizations themselves.
Notably, 79 projects have been included under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, while 228 projects are earmarked under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund.
A total of 258 projects are targeted for completion in FY26.
Planning Commission members and secretaries from various ministries were also present at the NEC meeting.