Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that project expenditures will be reduced as necessary, and the possibility of canceling them will be considered. He mentioned that priority will be given to projects that create employment.
He made this statement in an address to the nation on Wednesday.
Referring to corruption in projects during the previous government, the chief adviser said: "We have seen unnecessary projects costing hundreds of thousands of taka being implemented by the tyrannical Hasina government, which were never meant for the benefit of the people. Instead, these were driven by ugly egotism and massive theft."
He further added: "We have already begun reviewing all ongoing and proposed development projects. Based on the stage of implementation, we will consider reducing costs, and if necessary, canceling them. The people of this country will no longer be deceived. We will prioritize projects that create employment."
He said: "We want our country to be respected globally as a democratic nation. The country's plans should focus on its people, not on any leader or party."
Speaking about efforts to recover embezzled and laundered funds, Dr Yunus mentioned: "We have taken steps to form a banking commission to bring discipline to the financial sector. The boards of various banks have been restructured, and significant changes have taken place in the banking sector over the past month. We have been able to establish rules and regulations, though much work remains."
He said that the government has sought budget support from development partners to increase foreign currency reserves.
Requests have been made for an additional $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), $1 billion from the World Bank, and $1 billion from JICA. The Ministry of Finance is also in talks with the Russian Federation regarding the payment of dues and advance payments for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project.
He added that discussions have been held with traders, industrialists, and business organizations to ensure the smooth supply of essential commodities, and various measures have been taken based on their feedback.
