TDS Desk:

The government is preparing to seek Tk68,639 crore in foreign loans to finance 24 major new development projects under its latest foreign financing plan, officials of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) confirmed.

The total investment for these projects is estimated at Tk80,751 crore, with the lion’s share expected from foreign development partners.

The proposals were presented at a meeting of the Foreign Aid Review Committee, marking a key step before formal loan submissions, officials said.

Unlike previous years, when large infrastructure projects dominated the aid pipeline, the government is now prioritising education and health – sectors viewed as critical for human capital development and long-term economic growth.

Of the 36 total projects under consideration for external financing, nine focus on higher education and seven on healthcare facilities.

The initial 24 projects were shortlisted for loan negotiations, while another 12 projects were later added based on emerging national priorities, raising the combined investment target to over Tk1 lakh crore.

“We are emphasising projects that directly impact people’s lives – particularly in health and education – while keeping a pipeline for essential infrastructure,” an ERD official said.

Under the proposed plan, health-sector projects include new hospitals in Dhaka, Rangpur, and Chattogram, upgrades to district and upazila health complexes, and the establishment of specialised research facilities.

In education, proposed projects include the development of Dhaka University and other higher education institutions, creation of research and innovation parks, and enhancement of student facilities.

Other priority projects cover local government, power, water resources, ICT, and transport. Among them are the Cox’s Bazar Airport (Phase-II) and the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, for which Bangladesh plans to seek US$550.62 million in Chinese loans.

According to ERD officials, most of the proposed projects have already received Preliminary Project Proposal (PPP) approval from the Planning Commission and have been discussed with potential lenders, including China, Korea, and other multilateral development partners.

Once negotiations with development partners are finalised, the government will proceed with formal loan submissions for approval and disbursement, officials added.