PM orders steps to stop repeated project deadlines, increase cost

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that the concerned authorities were directed to take initiatives to curb repeated extensions of deadlines and increases in costs of public development projects, citing weaknesses in planning, land acquisition, procurement and project management.

He made the remarks in a written reply to a question from Cumilla-10 MP Md Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan during the question-answer session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday (September 9).

Tarique Rahman said public projects often fail to meet their approved timelines and budgets for several reasons, including weak feasibility studies, inaccurate cost estimates, delays in land acquisition and lengthy procurement processes.

Poor monitoring and accountability, financing complications and weaknesses in project management also contribute to delays and cost overruns, he said.

The prime minister said the government had taken initiatives to identify and address weaknesses at different stages of project development and implementation, including project formulation and approval, land acquisition, financing, procurement and management.

He also stressed regular reviews and closer monitoring of project progress to ensure timely implementation and prevent unnecessary cost escalation.

The day’s parliamentary proceedings began around 3:30pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair, followed by the question-and-answer session.