PM Hasina asks officials to finish development projects on time

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials concerned to complete projects on time that are directly related to the welfare of the people.

“We could not finish many projects due to the coronavirus pandemic. These must be completed with the highest priority. Among those that are directly related to the welfare of the people should be given the highest priority,” NEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told officials at the National Economic Council meeting on Tuesday.

Besides the past BNP government’s decision to close down the railway in accordance with the advice of the World Bank, Sheikh Hasina said her government would not take any advice from any quarter that causes damage to the country.

“Once upon a time, the state was run with the advice (from others). But, I don’t do so. My word is — the country is mine, I know better how we will develop the country. We will take advice only if it is not damaging to the country,” she said.

After the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan quoted the prime minister and said that Sheikh Hasina has also directed to set aside a separate allocation for research. “The Ministry of Health will do research because of the different types of disease and pandemic. As an important ministry, the health ministry must have funds.”

That health ministry needs to do research in different health issues, she said.

Other directives of the prime minister also included not to incorporate foreign consultants in the development projects. More development projects will be taken for growth of agriculture and labour sector, the planning minister said, quoting the prime minister.