Mega projects must be implemented at right cost

Economist and distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue(CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya has said mega projects are necessary for the country, but they must be undertaken at the right cost and implemented properly.

The distinguished fellow of CPD Debapriya Bhattacharya also urged the government for an investment-driven national budget, warning that Bangladesh risks slipping back into “old-style economic management” unless the government adopts a clear reform roadmap.

Speaking at an NTV budget discussion in capital’s Tejgaon titled “Kemon Budget Chai 2026-27” on Thursday, Debapriya said the government has yet to clearly explain the economic situation it inherited or present a coherent strategy for overcoming the ongoing crisis.

He argued that stability is important, but investment should have been the government’s top priority from the outset. “If you ask me what should come first, I would say investment. The upcoming budget should clearly show what kind of measures the government is taking to revive investment,” he said.

The economist also criticised what he described as unrealistic budgeting practices over the past 15 to 20 years, saying governments routinely overstate both revenue and expenditure projections.

Debapriya said the government’s reform commitment has become questionable because several promised initiatives remain stalled.

Debapriya urged the government not to increase taxes in the upcoming budget.

“No new taxes should be imposed in the coming budget,” he said, suggesting that revenue should instead come from expanding the tax net and improving efficiency.