No value for money, no approval: Khosru sets bar for project green-lighting
The minister said around 1,300 projects currently with the Planning Commission are being reviewed and that many will be scrapped as they lack effective public interest
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today (10 May) declared that the government will not implement any project that fails to ensure value for money, return on investment, employment generation, and environmental considerations.
"We are now evaluating every project based on these four criteria," the minister said while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the second phase of the RAISE project (RAISE-2) at PKSF Bhaban in the city's Agargaon.
He emphasised that since projects are funded by taxpayers' money rather than the government's own, accountability is paramount.
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The minister said around 1,300 projects currently with the Planning Commission are being reviewed and that many will be scrapped as they lack effective public interest.
He noted that the government is shifting its priority from large-scale "mega" infrastructure towards the social sector, employment, and an inclusive economy.
"Our slogan is to democratise the economy so that every citizen has the right to participate and reap the benefits of growth," he added.
Expressing concern over the healthcare sector, the minister described Bangladesh's out-of-pocket health expenditure as "shameful," noting it is higher than that of Afghanistan.
Our slogan is to democratise the economy so that every citizen has the right to participate and reap the benefits of growth
He said the upcoming budget will reflect a significant increase in spending on health, education, and social protection, with a particular focus on primary and preventive healthcare.
Khosru also highlighted the potential of the "creative economy" and rural cottage industries.
He shared the government's plan to implement the "One Village, One Product" concept to organise rural entrepreneurs, including blacksmiths, potters, and weavers, and connect them to international markets through branding and design support.
The RAISE-2 project, a joint initiative of the World Bank and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), aims to provide skill development and financial assistance to 2 lakh youth and micro-entrepreneurs.
It also includes training for 1,600 women as "home-based childcare" entrepreneurs to boost female labour force participation, speakers said.
By 2030, the project is expected to benefit over 4.23 lakh people directly, with special priority given to youth in remote areas like chars, haors, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as well as persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities.
