Dhaka:The government is undertaking measures to speed up development activities in the public interest, ensuring that these initiatives are conducted with scrutiny, accountability, and financial discipline, State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki announced today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister emphasized that development projects will not be approved under external pressure but will instead be selected and implemented based on public needs and national priorities. He clarified that the projects are being formulated solely in response to the people's needs during a press briefing at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Addressing questions about the approval of significant projects not previously included in a publicized project list, including the Primary Education Development Programme-5 (PEDP-5), the state minister explained that essential development interventions are being prioritized. Projects like metro rail and investments in primary education are deemed vital for improving infrastructure and building a skilled future generation.
The state minister further highlighted that the government aims to expedite development activities to avoid delays in project preparation and approval processes. However, he assured that this acceleration would not bypass established procedures or compromise financial accountability. The Planning Commission and ECNEC perform different stages of project scrutiny to ensure thorough examination before final approval.
The government has recently communicated 13 specific instructions to various ministries for inclusion in development project proposals. These include provisions for renewable energy, facilities for persons with disabilities, environmental measures, and clearer assessments of return on investment to become standard requirements.
Furthermore, the government is strengthening financial scrutiny to prevent unnecessary expenditure and improve development spending quality. Initiatives include technology-based monitoring of project costs and strengthening procurement price assessments. Despite global economic pressures, the government is prioritizing financing arrangements and expanding its Annual Development Programme (ADP) to maintain economic activity.
The state minister acknowledged the challenges in financing development projects but reiterated the government's commitment to an expansionary development approach. Existing projects will continue through revised allocations and timelines where necessary. The government aims to complete ongoing rural infrastructure activities without unnecessary delays and ensure greater accountability through scrutiny of project costs and implementation arrangements.
Saki expressed optimism that new monitoring and cost-assessment mechanisms would establish stronger institutional checks and balances in public investment. The government seeks to create a development expenditure system that ensures greater transparency and accountability than ever before.