Govt decides to rationalise costs of ongoing projects
21 April set as deadline to complete a list of projects aligned polls manifesto
The government has decided to rationalise the costs of ongoing development projects. At the same time, it has set a deadline of 21 April to complete a list of ongoing projects that are aligned with the ruling BNP's election manifesto.
The initiative aims to bring greater transparency and discipline in prioritising and implementing projects.
The Physical Infrastructure Division; Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division; Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division; and Industry and Energy Division of the Planning Commission will prepare the list of projects and rationalise their costs.
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The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting of the Planning Ministry held on 29 March, chaired by Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, according to meeting minutes.
There are a total of 1,267 ongoing projects under the revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2025–26.
At the meeting, the adviser noted that most ongoing projects are not aligned with the election manifesto. He instructed that, first, ongoing projects must be rationalised based on estimated costs in line with government priorities. Second, new projects must be rigorously scrutinised and approved in light of the manifesto. Third, projects aligned and not aligned with the manifesto must be identified, and recommendations should be sent from sector divisions to the Planning Division.
Strict scrutiny of new projects before approval was also emphasised.
According to the meeting decisions, future project selection must prioritise Value for Money, Return on Investment (ROI), and job creation. Projects with higher employment potential will receive special emphasis.
The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (Bids) has been tasked with developing an economic model and monitoring strategy aligned with the manifesto and submitting a draft by 30 April. The General Economics Division (GED) has also been instructed to prepare a sectoral action plan based on the manifesto within the same deadline.
A committee has been formed, led by the Planning Division secretary, to ensure the accuracy, reliability, usability, and accessibility of data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The committee will also work on improving survey and census methodologies and setting key indicators.
The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has been directed to ensure transparency and accountability by conducting regular field inspections and submitting quarterly reports.
Relevant ministries have also been instructed to strictly follow recruitment standards for project directors and to take necessary steps to quickly remove inefficient ones.
Earlier, at a review meeting held on 8 March at the NEC conference room, the Planning Division instructed ministries to prepare rapid action plans to implement the government's commitments in line with the election manifesto. The meeting was chaired by SM Shakil Akhtar, secretary of the Planning Division.
It was noted that at a meeting held on 18 February, chaired by the prime minister, directives were given to transform the election manifesto into a national commitment. Accordingly, all ministries and divisions were asked to prepare short-, medium-, and long-term action plans.
The meeting emphasised prioritising projects that align with government commitments.
Bids proposed presenting a matrix showing which components of ongoing projects contribute to achieving government pledges, along with recommendations for sectoral strategic planning.
The GED suggested preparing a comprehensive planning document considering macroeconomic realities.
It was decided that the Planning Division, Planning Commission, and Bids must review the manifesto and submit implementation strategies along with short-, medium-, and long-term plans—both in hard and soft copies – by 15 March 2026 to the coordination wing of the Planning Division.
