The approval of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (Sasec) Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project -- a total of nine projects worth almost Tk20,000 crore -- by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) is an encouraging show of intent by the current government on undertaking megaprojects for economic prosperity.
However, what is particularly important about Sasec is that it will help improve road connectivity not only domestically, but also with neighbouring countries Nepal, India, Myanmar, and China. Once the project is implemented, Bangladesh's road transport network will be linked with Asian highway network, Bimstec corridor, Saarc corridor, and regional road network.
Improving road connectivity will play a major role for Bangladesh going forward; ensuring more efficient travel times will not only boost trade and allow for goods and cargo to be moved easier, but good roads are also indicative of increased safety, and too often, there is substantial loss of life due to poor road conditions.
As such, with Bangladesh looking to take the all-important next step in its development journey and graduate to a middle-income country in the next few years, the successful and timely completion of such projects remain imperative if we are to capitalize on the advantages they will provide.
Successful and timely completion, therefore, must be prioritized. Oftentimes, we have exemplary plans and projects, but we have proceeded to undo their full impact through repeated failures and delays during the implementation stage. This must not remain the norm for Bangladesh.