PM for taking small-scale rural projects instead of mega ones

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the relevant authorities to promote small-scale projects that put public welfare and rural development instead of large-scale initiatives.

The prime minister issued the directives on Tuesday in Sher-e Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, while presiding over a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).

"The prime minister says it is not wise to carry out the opulent projects. Welfare-related or modest rural projects, however, cannot be compromised. Big projects can't be launched,” following the meeting, MA Mannan, the minister of planning, briefed the media.

Prior to launching any project, Hasina, who also serves as the chairperson of Ecnec, highlighted the significance of conducting a thorough feasibility analysis.

She also asked that all uncultivated lands in the country be located so that they might be used to raise food and other products.

"The prime minister emphasized the need for higher output levels. It is necessary to utilise every square inch of land for agriculture," Mannan said adding that she had told the cabinet secretary to find the uncultivated fields with the aid of the deputy commissioners.

The PM advised everyone to be frugal and squander less in the wake of the world recession.

During the Ecnec conference, seven projects with a total estimated cost of Tk 3,981.90 crore were authorized (only additional costs of three revised projects were counted here).

Of the cost, Tk 3,392.33 crore will be drawn from the government's fund, while Tk 267.35 crore from the own funds of the organisations concerned and Tk 332.21 crore will come from the foreign sources.