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compounded by additional costs during fuel supply disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran. The government also announced plans to push towards renewables.

Another major allocation goes to social development assistance, under which the government has started providing Family Card, Farmers Card and allowances for mosque imams and other religious leaders.

In line with that plan, the government expects to spend Tk 17,000 crore on social development assistance, with the two card programmes accounting for Tk 14,500 crore. The programme were central election pledges.

STRATEGIC FRAMING

The BNP-led government, which has come to power after 19 years, has taken up 1,277 new projects recommended by various ministries and departments. An additional 80 projects have been proposed under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements and 148 under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund.

The plan has been made in line with the ruling party’s election manifesto and its five pillars: social development, economic restructuring, and balanced regional development among them.

“The context is very clear — a journey towards prosperity from a fragile economy. We are moving forward with strategies for recovery, transition and reconstruction,” Khosru said.

He said it reflects a “new perspective” in Bangladesh’s development planning.

“It is not only about infrastructural development; rather, it is an integrated outline for state reform, building a discrimination-free society, a sustainable economy and establishing regional balance,” said the minister.

THE IMPLEMENTATION QUESTION

The government’s ambitions, however, face a credibility problem as the gap between announced and actual spending has become a structural feature of Bangladesh’s development planning, not an aberration.

Debapriya Bhattacharya, convenor of Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, raised that concern directly at a dialogue ahead of the NEC meeting.

Khosru acknowledged the record but framed ambition as a precondition for recovery.

“Without investment, growth, employment or development is not possible,” he said. “We want every project to ensure value for money. There must be returns on investment, and employment must be generated. We do not want jobless growth. Climate issues must also be taken into consideration.”

He also said in the past there were various questions, corruption allegations and concerns over inefficiency regarding the appointment of project directors. “From now on, there will be specific criteria for appointing PDs. Those who meet the criteria will be appointed.”