Review panel to weed out politically influenced development projects: PM’s adviser

A government review committee will examine all projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) to identify and exclude those undertaken on political considerations, said Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the prime minister’s adviser on finance and planning.

He was speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Dhaka today, following the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) of the BNP-led government.

Titumir said many projects had been initiated without economic studies and lacked returns on investment, while costs were repeatedly inflated. The review aims to rationalise such projects and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

The committee will assess whether projects are justified and aligned with development priorities. Projects found to be viable will continue, while those deemed unnecessary will face recommendations for cancellation or revision.

He noted that Bangladesh’s project spending history reflects weak accountability and has often benefited a narrow group.

Titumir stressed the need for a more accountable ADP, adding that it has not expanded in line with government operating expenditure. Without strengthening the ADP, economic growth will remain constrained, he warned.

The adviser outlined four criteria for project evaluation: necessity, availability of proper surveys, control over cost escalation, and contribution to long-term sustainable development.

He said many projects were approved without transparency and, in some cases, to favour political affiliates. A few lower-priority projects have already been dropped as part of the ongoing review process.

Titumir emphasised that improving the quality and implementation rate of development spending is critical to boosting growth, cautioning that inadequate capital expenditure has contributed to a slowdown in the national growth rate.