The sluggish pace of development project implementation is likely to continue through the current fiscal year, Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud said on Monday. Prof Wahiduddin said while the quality of projects has improved overall development spending has been constrained by structural, administrative and political factors. “The government has focused on better quality and accountability even though these reforms have temporarily slowed project execution,” he added. The Planning Adviser also acknowledged longstanding weaknesses in project management including shortages of competent project directors, delays, and cost overruns. To address this, NEC approved the creation of a pool of trained civil servants for key planning and project management roles.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 12, 2026 12:41 UTC