We do not do photo card politics: PM's Adviser

We do not do photo card politics: PM's Adviser

Prime Minister's Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has said the government does not engage in photo card politics, but rather believes in accountability-based politics through fact-based development and the people's verdict.

He made the remarks at the second meeting of the Advisory Committee on Economic Strategy Formulation at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday, May 14.

He said the implementation rate was extremely poor in the past due to structural flaws in the plans. Many projects did not have timely project director appointments, and deadlines and costs were repeatedly escalated. Some projects even required a fourth revision. He also mentioned the incident of the 'pillow scandal'.

The meeting was chaired by former adviser to the interim government, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud. Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division, Dr Manzur Hossain, presented the keynote paper.

The economic adviser further said that plans made in the past would effectively become ineffective the very next day. But the plan being formulated now will be a milestone in the country's history. The draft already prepared will ensure the rule of law, accountability and public welfare.

He said the government aims to transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Regarding the Planning Commission, he said the commission's role was previously limited to quickly approving projects of less than Tk 50 crore and rubber-stamping approvals for projects prepared by ministries. But this will no longer be the case. The Planning Commission will be further strengthened.

He alleged that the previous government was not elected, so they spent money arbitrarily on projects, burdening the people with debt.