Mega projects were tools for looting, not rural development: Adviser Fouzul

Mega projects undertaken during the previous government were largely tools for looting public money rather than genuine development efforts, particularly in rural areas, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (9 May).

Speaking to journalists after visiting dredging operations of the BIWTA near Moulovir Hat Kheyaghat in Hizla upazila of Barishal, the adviser said, "The past two decades of development mainly benefited Dhaka and other major urban centres.

"They [previous govt] built metro rails and launched flashy projects where roads already existed. These so-called mega projects were largely for show, aimed at embezzling public funds."

Fouzul assured that the current interim government is now trying to redirect development to neglected rural areas.

He announced that the government has approved the construction of a bridge at Mirganj to connect Babuganj and Muladi upazilas, with hopes to begin infrastructure work by October.

He also mentioned that the decision to build the Bhola-Barishal bridge has been taken, although work will require more time due to funding issues. "We're working to secure funding. Once that is done, feasibility studies will begin."

Also speaking to the media, Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain underscored the need for regular river dredging to ensure navigable waterways, highlighting its crucial role in promoting balanced national development.

"Himalayan meltwater carries silt into our rivers every year. Dredging is a continuous necessity—no river or sea port in this country can function without it," he said.

"The interim government is working to restore all inland waterways, but illegal sand extraction will be dealt with strictly."

He also warned that any attempt to obstruct the interim government's efforts for development and public welfare will not be tolerated.