Govt to approve projects on three conditions: finance minister

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said the government will approve projects only if they meet three conditions: employment creation, return on investment (ROI), and environmental protection.

He said that economic democratisation should extend beyond politics, with ordinary citizens entitled to equal participation in the national economy.

Unprofitable projects taken up without planning in the past are being reviewed, with some already cancelled, the minister said at the "Stepping Forward: The Inauguration of RAISE-2," a programme organised by the Rural Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), according to a press release.

Praising PKSF's work, Khosru said the government's economic philosophy aligns with the foundation's activities and called for further diversification of its scope -- particularly in universal healthcare, education, and social security, where institutions like PKSF could serve as key delivery partners.

On women's empowerment, the minister said the government plans to transfer cash directly to women as custodians of family budgets, aiming to boost demand and savings in the local economy. Direct input support for farmers and health sector assistance are also being prioritised.

Khosru highlighted the potential of the "One Village One Product" concept, citing Barisal's "Shital Pati" as an example of a local product that could reach global platforms such as Amazon or Alibaba with design support and skill development.

He added that theatre, sports, and music are being recognised as industries to increase their contribution to GDP.

The event was chaired by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Special guests included Najma Mobarek, secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, and Gayle H Martin, acting division director for Bangladesh and Bhutan at the World Bank.