Govt approves revised ADP prioritising transport and communication

The National Economic Council (NEC) on Monday approved a Tk 2.16 trillion 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 city'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 trillion. The revised allocation marks a reduction of Tk 490 billion - an 18.49 per cent decrease from the initial budget.

Of the approved RADP allocation, Tk 1.35 trillion will come from the government of Bangladesh's portion, while the remaining Tk 810 billion will be sourced from project loans or grants. Including an additional Tk 101.26 billion from the own funds of concerned organisations, the total RADP outlay stands at Tk 2.26 trillion.

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 per cent during the July-January period of FY25 - lower than the 30 per cent 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 per cent increase, while 49 experienced a 28.71 per cent 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.

The five sectors receiving the highest allocations are:

Transport and Communication: Tk 482.53 billion (22.34%)

Power and Energy: Tk 318.98 billion (14.77%)

Education: Tk 203.50 billion (9.42%)

Housing and Community Facilities: Tk 196.53 billion (9.09%)

Local Government and Rural Development: Tk 169.09 billion (7.83%)

Among the top 10 allocated ministries and divisions, the Local Government Division received the highest share:

Local Government Division: Tk 361.59 billion (16.74%)

Power Division: Tk 214.75 billion (9.94%)

Road Transport and Highways Division: Tk 186.24 billion (8.62%)

Primary and Mass Education: Tk 127.64 billion (5.91%)

Science and Technology: Tk 121.29 billion (5.62%)

Ministry of Railways: Tk 102.28 billion (4.74%)

Ministry of Water Resources: Tk 102.12 billion (4.73%)

Ministry of Shipping: Tk 71.54 billion (3.31%)

Bridges Division: Tk 58.48 billion (2.71%)

Health Services Division: Tk 56.69 billion (2.62%)

The RADP also includes 78 projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and 232 projects funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund.