Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to undertake development projects only after thorough scrutiny and to ensure strict cost efficiency, warning against any unnecessary public expenditure.
The instruction was given at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) held at the Secretariat on Sunday, with the prime minister in the chair.
He instructed the authorities concerned not to approve or take up any project without properly examining its justification and necessity, and to ensure that public funds are used efficiently.
Tk13,445 crore projects approved
At the meeting, ECNEC approved 14 development projects with a total estimated cost of Tk13,445.41 crore.
Of the total allocation, Tk8,089.56 crore will come from the government’s own funds, Tk5,340.26 crore from project loans, and Tk15.59 crore from implementing agencies. Among the approved projects, five are new, five are revised, and four have received time extensions.
Focus on justification and alignment
Briefing reporters after the meeting, State Minister for Finance and Planning Jonayed Saki said the prime minister’s instruction was clear: all projects must be cost-effective and every expenditure must be justified.
He said authorities have been asked to assess whether projects align with the government’s broader development plans and commitments, and whether they will bring meaningful improvements to people’s lives.
“Each project must be assessed in terms of its overall impact, necessity, and consistency with national priorities,” he said.
Review of ongoing projects
Saki also said the government has decided to review ongoing and previously proposed projects, noting that some initiatives may no longer be necessary under current circumstances.
A total of 17 projects were placed at the meeting, of which 15 were discussed. Most were approved, while several received conditional clearance with specific observations from the committee.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, along with secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries.
Officials said the directive reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening fiscal discipline and ensuring better value for money in public spending.