The government is taking steps to curb repeated extensions in the duration and cost of development projects, as concerns over prolonged implementation and rising expenses persist.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman disclosed the measures on Wednesday in reply to a written question from Comilla-10 lawmaker Md Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan during the question-answer session of the 3rd session of the 13th National Parliament.
The parliamentary session began at 3:30pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram in the chair. At the outset, the prime minister answered written questions.
Tarique said: “The extension of duration and increase in the cost of government development projects in Bangladesh usually do not occur for a single reason. Rather, multiple weaknesses in project formulation, approval, land acquisition, financing, procurement processes and management become interconnected to create this problem.”
He said: “After the government became aware of the tendency to extend project durations and increase costs, various measures have been taken in this regard. These include ensuring accurate feasibility studies before taking up new projects and initiatives to speed up implementation preparations after project approval.”
Work is underway to update the existing guidelines on project formulation, processing, approval and revision, he said. Dashboards are also being established in the relevant ministries and divisions to strengthen monitoring of ongoing projects.
Regular project reviews and close field-level monitoring have also been increased, he said.
Coordination among relevant agencies is being strengthened to expedite land acquisition and utility relocation work.
Instructions have been given to take action under the rules against individuals and organizations responsible for delays after reviewing the reasons for delays, irregularities, increased costs and revisions in projects not completed within the stipulated time, the prime minister said.
“For projects with implementation progress below 30%, the relevant ministries or divisions are taking appropriate measures regarding their restructuring, changes in scope or continuation after considering their utility and effectiveness,” he said.
“In addition, instructions have been given to take up cluster projects under integrated programs instead of taking up projects separately,” he added.
The prime minister also said the use of the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system in government procurement would be expanded.
In appointing project directors, professional qualifications, skills and practical experience will be given the highest priority, while initiatives have been taken to ensure continuity of responsibility where necessary. Work is underway to update the existing policy for this purpose, he said.
Instructions have also been given to prioritize taking up projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, Tarique told parliament.
An initiative has also been taken to update the Public Procurement Rules 2025 to make government procurement more competitive and accountable.