Ecnec okays Tk3,287cr projects to modernise 5 institutions

In order to foster revenue collection, develop data systems, and digitise government investment, procurement, and audit processes, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) has approved five major projects funded by the World Bank.

Including these five major projects, Ecnec approved a total of 17 projects in today's (24 June) meeting, with an estimated cumulative cost of Tk8,974 crore.

The institutions to be modernised under these projects include the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA), the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Planning Division.

The total cost of these modernisation projects has been estimated at Tk3,287.88 crore, of which the World Bank will finance Tk3,043.69 crore. The projects are expected to be completed by 2030.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. 

Tk1,009cr project for NBR to boost revenue

 According to sources at the Planning Commission, Ecnec approved a major project titled "Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Project (SDRMP)" to modernise and digitise the domestic revenue system. 

The project has an estimated cost of Tk1,009.20 crore, with the World Bank providing Tk1,000.40 crore in loans and the remainder from the government fund.

Officials from the Planning Commission stated that the project aims to enhance the NBR's capacity and sustainably increase revenue collection. Through the use of modern technology, automation, and training, the project will expand tax services, increase the number of taxpayers, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in tax administration.

Tk1,096cr project for modernising BBS

A project titled "Statistical Capacity Enhancement and Modernisation Project (SCEMP)" has been approved to build a modern, integrated, and ICT-based statistical system in Bangladesh.

The project, to be implemented by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), has an estimated cost of Tk1,096.40 crore– of which Tk96 crore is government funding and Tk1,000.40 crore is a World Bank loan. It is expected to be completed by June 2030.

Officials at BBS said the project's goal is to develop a modern, reliable, and timely national statistics system that will serve as a crucial foundation for policymaking, planning, and research.

Under the project, digital data collection, geospatial analysis, ICT infrastructure development, statistical buildings and data centres, big data and AI-based training, improvement in administrative data systems, and enhanced data dissemination in line with international standards will be implemented.

Tk315.70cr project to digitise public investment management

To bring transparency, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making to public investment management, ECNEC has approved a project titled "Improvement of Public Investment Management System (IPIMS)."

The project is estimated to cost Tk315.70 crore, of which the World Bank will provide Tk305 crore.

The main objective of this project is to reduce implementation delays and increase the efficiency of public investments. A single digital platform will be created for project formulation, approval, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Tk552cr project to modernise e-GP, improve public service delivery

To increase efficiency and transparency in government services, ECNEC approved a project titled "Procurement Modernisation to Improve Public Service Delivery (PMIPSD)."

The total estimated cost of this project is Tk552 crore, with Tk119 crore coming from government funds and Tk433 crore as a World Bank loan. The project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) by June 2030.

The project will upgrade the e-GP data centre and software, and incorporate Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning to develop a smart, fast, and secure data analysis system.

Tk314.62cr project to digitise public audit system

To transform the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) into a modern, technology-based institution, ECNEC approved the "Strengthening Public Audit Through Digital Transformation and Capacity Enhancement (SPADTEC)" project.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Tk314.62 crore, with Tk9.62 crore from the government and Tk305 crore as a World Bank loan. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2030.

According to the project proposal, the goal is a complete digital transformation of the public audit system, adoption of modern technology, and alignment with international audit standards.