Staff Reporter :
The Annual Development Programme (ADP) recorded a historically low implementation rate of 4.75 per cent in the first three months of the current fiscal year, largely due to ongoing political unrest in the country.
Data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) on Monday indicated that Tk 13,215 crore was utilized during this period against a total ADP allocation of Tk 2.78 lakh crore.
This represents the lowest implementation rate on record, based on IMED data available since FY 2010-11, where previous years typically saw implementation rates between 8 per cent and 10 per cent for the same timeframe.
IMED officials attributed the sluggish ADP implementation rate at the fiscal year’s start to project teams concentrating on preparatory activities.
Additionally, they cited political unrest, including the anti-discrimination student movement in July, and administrative instability in August following the former prime minister’s resignation, as further hindrances to development activities.
The appointment of Dr. Yunus as the chief advisor of the interim government coincided with this period.
The data also revealed that certain foreign-funded projects faced disruptions as foreign consultants, contractor representatives, and workers departed project sites, impacting project continuity.
According to IMED officials, the government is prioritizing fund disbursement for critical projects, which is further affecting the overall ADP implementation rate.
Plans to extend deadlines and increase costs for some projects are also on hold, contributing to the delayed implementation.
IMED Secretary Abul Kashem Md Mohiuddin noted that the new government’s review of projects to determine priorities could lead to potential reductions and a slower ADP implementation pace.
