Widespread irregularities in dev projects: Planning Adviser
NN Online Report:
Planning and Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday spoke of significant irregularities in ongoing development projects, stressing the urgent need for thorough scrutiny and reform. Speaking after his first meeting with Planning Ministry officials at the NEC Conference room, he emphasized that the current state of these projects is marked by “indiscipline.”
“It is urgently needed to scrutinize the ongoing projects because the situation right now is highly disorganized,” the adviser said. He noted that the interim government has taken office at a time when many sectors of the country are plagued by inefficiencies, requiring immediate corrective measures.
“Some decisions are needed right now,” he added, underscoring the importance of stabilizing the economy-a critical task closely linked to the Planning Commission’s role.
Wahiduddin pointed out the need to reduce inflation and emphasized that controlling public expenditure is essential for avoiding a high-deficit budget. “We are considering how to reduce public expenditure, and development expenditure is the most flexible area to target in this regard,” he explained.
The adviser also highlighted specific issues with large projects funded by foreign sources. “There are problems at the negotiation level, which have prevented the effective use of substantial funds from donor organizations,” he said. He mentioned that while some projects are yet to start, others are at various stages of completion, and many are linked to specific constituencies or awaiting ECNEC approval.
“We must scrutinize these projects, especially those lacking clear priority or expected outcomes. We need to quickly evaluate and cut those that do not meet the necessary criteria,” he said.
Regarding mega projects, Wahiduddin expressed concern over extensive irregularities in design, expenditure, and timeframes. “Some of these issues stem from a lack of skills, while others involve significant corruption by contractors,” he remarked.
He also criticized the inefficient management of infrastructural projects, noting that many could have been completed at a lower cost. “Due to improper evaluation, faulty design, and repeated extensions, these projects have wasted considerable resources,” the adviser said, adding that Bangladesh is known for projects with some of the highest per-unit costs globally.
The adviser questioned the motives behind certain projects initiated by various ministries, asking, “Are these projects truly beneficial for the people?”
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of improving project management to ensure that future initiatives align with the country’s macroeconomic goals. “The way we are advancing in the macroeconomic system, project management is the most important aspect,” he said, noting that the interim government has assembled a team to oversee the country’s entire economic system.