PM directs fiscal austerity, strict scrutiny of dev projects

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a set of directives to ensure fiscal discipline and accountability in the government's development projects.

"PM directed that all development projects must be scrutinised to ensure they align with the current government's election manifesto and overarching development plans aimed at improving the lives of the general people," State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki said while talking to reporters after the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting today (26 April), reports BSS.

The PM presided over the meeting, he said, adding that the PM's instructions were very clear regarding the management of national funds.

"The PM directed that the government must be thrifty in its spending and insisted that the eligibility and necessity of every expenditure must be strictly determined before approval is granted," he added.

The state minister noted that this move signals a shift towards more stringent oversight of how taxpayers' money is allocated to various sectors.

Addressing concerns over the pace of development, Saki mentioned that the prime minister ordered investigations into why several projects have faced implementation delays.

"He [premier] provided specific observations on various project proposals, emphasising that development must be sustainable and must protect the environment while seeking to improve the quality of life for citizens," the state minister added, according to BSS. 

At the meeting, Ecnec approved a Tk1,157.07 crore project "Expanding Access to Integrated Health Care for the Urban Population" to ensure accessible and quality primary healthcare in urban areas. 

Under the initiative, a "hub-and-spoke" model will be introduced to connect primary healthcare and nutrition service centres across cities.

As part of the project, a total of 170 city health centres will be established in Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, and Chattogram City Corporation. These centres will operate in two shifts with adequate staffing to ensure continuous service delivery.

Key targets of the project include ensuring at least 80% availability of essential medicines, achieving full compliance with water, sanitation, and hygiene standards, implementing proper medical waste management, and integrating all services into the DHIS2 [District Health Information Software 2] digital health information system.

According to the Planning Commission, the project cost will be financed through Tk208.40 crore from government funds, while Tk948.67 crore will come as foreign loan assistance from the World Bank. The project is expected to be implemented by 30 June 2028.

The initiative will be carried out by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the Directorate General of Health Services acting as the implementing agency.

The project background notes that rapid urbanisation has put significant pressure on healthcare services in cities. Currently, more than 40% of the population lives in urban areas, a figure expected to rise further by 2030.