DHAKA, Mar 03, (V7N) — Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has expressed frustration over his inability to bring fundamental changes in the project approval and formulation process, citing a lack of attention to the Planning Commission.

Speaking to reporters after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Mahmud highlighted structural flaws in the current system, particularly in infrastructure projects.

Flaws in Project Evaluation and Approval

Dr. Mahmud explained that projects are typically formulated in two ways:

Development Project Proposal (DPP) initiated by line ministries.

Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), which operates under the Planning Commission.

However, he noted that even after approval, many infrastructure projects continue to have design flaws, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the process.

A key issue, according to Mahmud, is the absence of consultations with local communities before finalizing projects.

“Local people often rely on indigenous technologies, but top-down decisions fail to align with these local realities,” he said.

Addressing environmental risks, Mahmud stressed the need for greater involvement of environmental experts and technical professionals during project planning. He criticized the current system for treating projects as “secret matters” rather than transparent initiatives benefiting the public.

Dr. Mahmud urged for a more inclusive approach, particularly for large-scale projects, ensuring stakeholder participation in decision-making.

“So far, this is a failure of either the Planning Commission or mine. I had this vision from the start, but I couldn’t push it forward,” he admitted.

As the government re-evaluates its development strategy, Mahmud’s remarks highlight the urgent need for reforms in the project approval process, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and community engagement.

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