Technology-Driven Development Planning Gets Government Focus

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized technology-driven planning, efficient project management and results-based implementation to improve people's quality of life, saying public interest, accountability and long-term national priorities must guide every development project.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a meeting at the Secretariat to review ongoing and proposed Annual Development Programme (ADP) projects for FY2026-27. Planning State Minister Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki attended the meeting as the special guest.

The meeting reviewed the overall ADP portfolio of the Local Government Division and the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, including the progress of ongoing projects and areas requiring restructuring or rescoping.

The minister said project selection should focus not only on visible infrastructure but also on its long-term impact on people's lives. He stressed realistic planning, outcome-based evaluation and, where necessary, project rescoping, restructuring or merging to improve implementation efficiency.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring value for public money through timely implementation, quality assurance, cost efficiency and stronger accountability.

Referring to the Local Government Division's role, he said the agency is central to delivering safe water, sanitation, modern waste management, stronger local governance, rural development and employment generation. He called for greater professionalism and responsibility among officials to improve service delivery.

The minister also underscored the need for modern, technology-enabled waste management, enhanced research and training, skilled human resources and entrepreneurship-focused capacity building. He praised initiatives aimed at women's economic empowerment and called for their further expansion.

Planning State Minister Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki said development projects are being reviewed regularly in line with the Prime Minister's directives to ensure alignment with the government's election manifesto and development priorities.

He also recommended cluster-based project implementation, saying integrated programmes would make monitoring, evaluation and performance measurement more effective. The government is also working on strengthening project director recruitment, capacity building and a modern policy framework for project management.

The meeting was attended by Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, members of the Planning Commission and senior officials from the ministries and affiliated agencies.
//DBTech/IH/SME//