Published: 11:23 PM, 19 September 2026
Transparency, accountability must guide public projects: Muktadir
Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said the government will not pursue fresh direct investment in industrial enterprises merely to expand production capacity, signalling a greater role for the private sector in industrial operation and investment.
The government, however, may participate as a partner or shareholder in industrial ventures where such involvement is considered necessary and justified, he said.
“The government may join as a partner or shareholder where necessary and justified,” Muktadir said.
He made the remarks on Thursday at a review meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat on ongoing, unapproved and newly proposed projects under the Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute ministries for inclusion in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2026-27.
The meeting reviewed the progress, financial management, production capacity and future effectiveness of various development projects, according to a press release.
Muktadir stressed that spending allocated funds should never become the primary objective of a development project.
“Each project must be assessed in terms of its contribution to the economy, employment, productivity and public welfare,” he said.
He also stressed the need to ensure transparency, accountability and optimal use of public funds at every stage, from project formulation and approval to implementation and evaluation.
The minister's remarks underline a shift towards assessing development projects by their measurable economic and social outcomes rather than simply by the volume of money spent.
He said project authorities should remain focused on whether an initiative can generate employment, improve productivity, strengthen industrial capacity and create tangible benefits for the people.
State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki said project selection should similarly be based on more than the size of allocations and expenditure.
According to him, expected outcomes, feasibility and long-term impacts should be given due consideration while selecting and implementing development projects.
He stressed that the benefits of every project financed with public money must ultimately reach the people.
At the same time, he called for ensuring that projects are implemented within their stipulated timeframe and approved cost while maintaining the required quality.
The meeting examined the implementation status of projects under the Industries Ministry, with particular attention to financial management, production capacity and the future effectiveness of public investment.
Participants also discussed the production capacity of state-owned industrial enterprises, the renovation and modernisation of ageing factories, opportunities for private-sector partnerships and the progress of ongoing projects.
The discussion on private-sector participation comes as the government seeks to make industrial investment more efficient while reducing the need for direct public investment in areas where private investors can play a stronger role.
The meeting later reviewed projects under the Textiles and Jute and Commerce ministries.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam stressed the importance of modern technology, efficient management and market expansion to enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh's textile and jute sectors.
He called for integrating traditional industries with modern industrial management practices while preserving their distinct identity and heritage.
The meeting also placed particular emphasis on the development of the country's handloom sector, which participants described as both an economic activity and an important component of Bangladesh's cultural heritage.
Speakers stressed the need to expand access to affordable finance, modern management facilities and domestic and international markets for small entrepreneurs and handloom weavers.
They also emphasised the importance of low-interest loans for weavers so that they can increase production, improve product quality and expand their businesses.
Alongside financial support, participants called for effective market-development initiatives to help traditional products gain greater access to consumers at home and abroad.
The meeting gave special attention to projects aimed at strengthening the prospects of Tangail sarees and Muslin.
Participants said Tangail sarees possess considerable commercial potential in both domestic and international markets, but realising that potential requires coordinated support in production, branding, quality improvement, research and market expansion.
They also stressed the need for greater attention to the preservation, research, production and commercial development of Muslin, one of the country's historically significant textile traditions.
The discussions reflected a broader challenge facing Bangladesh's traditional textile sector: preserving heritage while adapting production and marketing systems to modern markets.
In this regard, modern technology, product development, improved management and stronger market linkages were identified as important elements for making traditional industries commercially sustainable.
The government has recently also placed emphasis on modernising the handloom sector, developing skilled workers and entrepreneurs, and expanding domestic and international markets for traditional products. State Minister Shariful Alam has previously stressed that Tangail sarees require modernisation in product design, quality, branding and marketing alongside preservation of traditional techniques.
The latest ADP review therefore brings together two parallel priorities: improving the efficiency and accountability of public investment and strengthening the competitiveness of industries with private-sector participation.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that development projects do not become ends in themselves. Instead, project implementation should be closely linked to broader economic objectives, including employment generation, industrial productivity, market expansion and public welfare.
For state-owned enterprises, the discussions focused on assessing existing production capacity, upgrading older facilities and exploring partnerships that could improve operational efficiency.
For traditional sectors such as handloom and jute, the emphasis was on combining financial support and modern management with preservation of cultural identity.
The review is part of the process of finalising projects for the ADP for fiscal year 2026-27, with officials assessing ongoing and proposed initiatives before their inclusion in the development programme.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the concerned ministries, departments and agencies, as well as officials involved in project implementation and planning.
The emphasis on outcome-based planning comes amid broader government efforts to improve the quality of public investment. In recent months, project reviews and approvals have increasingly focused on implementation, financing and expected benefits, with the Planning Ministry also involved in assessing the feasibility and longer-term implications of development proposals.
For Bangladesh's industrial policy, the approach outlined at the meeting could mean a greater reliance on private capital and expertise in commercially viable industrial ventures, while allowing the government to retain a role where strategic participation is considered necessary.
At the same time, the focus on transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes places greater responsibility on project authorities to demonstrate how public resources are being converted into economic and social benefits.
