Despite sharp criticism, Yunus government extends timelines of Sheikh Hasina-era mega projects

❐ BD Digest Desk

Since the formation of the government, the mega projects undertaken during Sheikh Hasina’s rule have been heavily criticized, alleging lies, inefficiency and waste. Dr. Yunus’ interim government has been criticized. However, in reality, initiatives are being taken to extend the period of six mega projects approved during that same government.

According to analysts, despite harsh criticism of the Awami League government’s mega projects after coming to power, in reality, these projects were canceled or extended in the same sequence without taking new structural decisions, which is questioning the position of the Yunus government.

Those concerned believe that this conflict between critical commentary and actual decisions could give rise to new political and administrative debates.

Planning Commission sources say that a proposal to extend the term of six mega projects will be presented at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting next Sunday. Of the proposed projects, five are in the process of being extended for the fourth time and one project is in the process of being extended for the fifth time.

What is noteworthy is that four of these six projects are Chittagong-based, and were initiated during Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Planning Commission Secretary SM Shakil Akhtar told the media that several new and revised projects will be presented in the upcoming ECNEC meeting. This will also include the extension of the period of some large-scale projects. A total of 24 projects will be taken up for approval in the meeting to be held at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital – 12 new and 12 revised. All of the revised projects are essentially proposals for extension of period. The meeting will be presided over by Chief Advisor and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The six mega projects on the list of extension are: elevated expressway from Lalkhan Bazar in Chittagong to Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong Outer Ring Road, strengthening of runway and taxiway of Shah Amanat International Airport, Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar-Ghumdhum single line dual gauge railway, establishment of Sylhet Textile Engineering College and establishment of Textile Institute.

Among them, the Lalkhan Bazar-Shah Amanat Airport Elevated Expressway project was approved in 2017. The three-year, Tk 3,250 crore project was supposed to be completed in 2020. But the work was delayed due to the Corona pandemic.

The project was also delayed due to the addition of several new ramps. The work was supposed to be completed in July 2024. But the work was postponed again due to the July riots.

The deadline was extended three times, extending the time and cost, to June 2025. Now, a proposal is being made to extend the deadline for the fourth time, to December 2026.

The Shah Amanat International Airport runway and taxiway strengthening project was supposed to be completed in January 2020, but the project, worth Tk 622 crore, was extended three times. Now, a proposal is being made to extend the period again until June 2026.

The status of the Chittagong Outer Ring Road project is showing further delay. The initial cost of the project, which started in 2011, was Tk 856 crore. After multiple increases in time and cost, the current cost has reached Tk 3,324 crore. Although the project was scheduled to be completed by December 2025, a proposal is being made to extend the project for the fifth time as the work has not been completed.

Besides, the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar-Ghumdhum railway project was taken up in 2010, which was supposed to be completed in 2013. In reality, after the work was stalled for a long time, it is being proposed to extend the period again until June 30 of this year.

Sylhet’s two textile projects—Textile Engineering College and Textile Institute—were scheduled to begin in 2017 and end in 2020. After three extensions, a proposal to extend the deadline for the fourth time until December 2026 is being raised at the ECNEC meeting.