Bangladesh Planning Commission

National Economic Council (NEC)

The National Economic Council is the highest political authority for the consideration of economic policies and development activities reflective of long-term national policy objectives of the government of Bangladesh. It serves as the economic "mini-cabinet", consisting of the main economic ministers and their officials, and is chaired by the chief adviser.

Generally, the ministries formulate their respective plans, programmes or projects, as per the objectives formulated by the NEC. The NEC meets when called by the chief adviser, and meetings can include external invitees dependent on the subject under consideration. All NEC proposals are later provided to ECNEC to be approved.

Structure

1. Chief Adviser of Bangladesh (Chairperson)
2. Advisers of Advisory Council (as Members) who have economic portfolios

Supporting officials

1. Cabinet Secretary
2. Governor, Bangladesh Bank
3. All Members, Bangladesh Planning Commission
4. Senior Secretary/Secretary, Concerned Ministry/Divisions

Functions of the NEC

• To provide overall guidance of the formulation of Five Year Plans and the Annual Development Programme.
• To finalise and approve economic plans, programmes and policies.
• To review progress of implementation of development programme.
• To take such others decisions and actions as may be considered necessary for socio- economic development.
• To appoint sub-committees as deemed fit to assist the NEC to discharge specific responsibilities.
• Evaluation impact analysis of project, programmes and plans on the national living standard.

Meetings

• Meeting of NEC is held every month, and can be held earlier if required by the chief adviser (who is the chair).
• Planning Division provides secretariat to the NEC.

Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)

The ECNEC Wing of the Planning Commission is in charge of coordinating meetings of the ECNEC, and monitoring the implementation of decisions taken at the meetings.

ECNEC Wing is headed by a Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre, who is supported by two Deputy Secretaries and two Senior Assistant Secretaries.

Structure

1. Chief Adviser, Chairman
2. Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Alternate Chairman
3. Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment
4. Adviser, Ministry of Water Resources
5. Adviser, Ministry of Commerce
6. Adviser, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges
7. Adviser, Ministry of Shipping
8. Adviser of the concerned Ministry

Supporting officials

1. Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Division
2. Principal Secretary or Secretary, Chief Adviser's Office
3. Secretary, Economic Relations Division
4. Secretary, Finance Division
5. Secretary, Planning Division
6. Secretary, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division
7. Member, General Economics Division, Planning Commission
8. Member, Programming, Planning Commission
9. Secretary, Concerned Ministry/Division

Functions of the ECNEC

The primary functions of the ECNEC Wing are the following:

• To call meetings among members of NEC, ECNEC and other relevant officials
• Prepare the agenda and minutes of meetings, distribute, and publish them across government for action
• Monitor decisions taken at the meetings for implementation

Meetings

To consider and approve yearly target of foreign aid bids, expansion of trade, export of manpower as well as to review the progress of other annual targets.

• Meeting of ECNEC is held as and when required by Chairperson
• Planning Division provides secretariat to the ECNEC

References

References

1. "Ministries plan programmes to attain 17 SDG targets".
2. "Planning Commission – Banglapedia".
3. "Ministries plan programmes to attain 17 SDG targets".
4. "SDG implementation – 'whole of society approach'".