Project Papers to Go Public, Says Planning Adviser
The government is taking steps to make project documents publicly accessible online to curb irregularities and corruption in project implementation, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud announced. He stated that there is no need for secrecy in such documents and that most information related to development projects can and should be disclosed.
“From now on, all stages of project documentation are being preserved online,” said Dr. Mahmud. “Most of this information can be made public. There’s no confidentiality here.”
He made these remarks at a policy dialogue titled “Budget for FY 2025–26 in the Context of LDC Graduation”, organized by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) in a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Referring to malpractices under the previous administration, Dr. Mahmud noted, “I’ve observed that tenders for various projects are being awarded to a select few contractors, reportedly based on experience. But of course, the ministry's chosen firms will appear ‘experienced’. Many former Members of Parliament pocketed projects. With their collusion, 10 percent corruption in each project was common. This is the root of the highest corruption and wastage in tenders.”
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Mahmud also voiced frustration, saying, “If we can cut unnecessary costs in development projects, we can reduce the budget’s operating expenses. However, concerns remain that project officials might create new instability if their additional privileges are curtailed.”
He pointed to a key challenge facing the non-partisan interim government: “One of our biggest limitations is that there are so many vacancies, but I don’t know whom to appoint. We’re not a political party, so we don’t know many people.”
In an effort to eliminate poorly conceived ongoing projects, Dr. Mahmud said the Planning Commission is developing new guidelines for project formulation and aiming to strengthen the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED). “We are working on how to bring the screening of projects under a proper policy. I’ve asked Planning Commission officials to identify how so many ongoing projects turned out to be bad projects. Once identified, we’ll consider what rules can be framed. If successful, this may serve as a guide for the next government, which won’t be able to change the rules easily.”
The discussion also highlighted challenges in budget implementation, concerns over declining investments, and the pressing need for greater allocations in education, health, and social protection sectors.
RAPID Chairman M. A. Razzaque emphasized the employment potential of investing in social sectors. “If more funds are allocated to health, education, and social protection, that’s where the highest employment will be generated,” he said. “Future strategies must reflect this.”
Other speakers at the event included Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Prothom Alo Online Head Shawkat Hossain Masum, and BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan.
