Dhaka: Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has announced that the government has outlined an Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Taka three lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. The ADP aims to serve as a people-centric development roadmap focused on rebuilding the economy, strengthening state institutions, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a briefing following a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC). The ADP budget has been set at Taka 3,00,000 crore, which includes Taka 1,90,000 crore from government financing and Taka 1,10,000 crore from project loans and grants. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the NEC meeting, marking the first under the current administration, at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Attendees included Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning, State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, and Planning Secretary SM Shakil Akhter.
Minister Khosru emphasized that the upcoming ADP exceeds the current fiscal year’s plan, reflecting the government’s expectation of enhanced implementation capability and efficiency under an elected administration. He stated, “We have assumed that an elected government will have greater capability, high efficiency, and stronger implementation power. That is why we have taken a larger development programme.”
Describing the new ADP as “a reflection of a new development philosophy,” Khosru highlighted that it goes beyond traditional infrastructure projects. “This ADP is not only about infrastructure development, rather it presents an integrated outline for state reforms, a discrimination-free society, sustainable economy, and regional balance,” he explained. The government has also put forward a ‘Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development’ aimed at guiding economic recovery and transformation over the next five years.
The minister outlined the framework’s first pillar, which focuses on reforming the state structure through judicial and administrative reforms, expansion of legal services, digitalization, and governance improvements. Additionally, it emphasizes strengthening law enforcement agencies, modernizing public investment management, and introducing multi-year public programming.
To ensure effective project implementation, the government plans to establish a transparent and competency-based process for appointing Project Directors (PDs). Khosru acknowledged past issues with corruption and inefficiency in PD appointments and vowed to implement clear criteria for future appointments. Furthermore, stronger monitoring mechanisms will be introduced to ensure timely project completion, with dashboards set up for progress tracking in each ministry.
The minister also disclosed that approximately 1,300 projects inherited from previous administrations are under review. Many of these projects, according to Khosru, were plagued by inefficiency, wastage, or corruption and lacked national priority. Projects deemed unnecessary or impractical will be canceled, while those already in advanced stages will undergo further assessment.
Khosru clarified that no time extensions would be granted for newly approved projects, emphasizing the need for completion within stipulated timeframes. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) will investigate projects affected by corruption or mismanagement and recommend necessary actions.
Future development planning will prioritize employment generation and economic returns, ensuring every project provides value for money and contributes to job creation. Climate resilience and sustainability will also be key considerations in selecting future projects.